A Pennsylvania fire chief is in hot water after posting a racial slur toward Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Chief Paul Smith said, "Tomlin just added himself to the list of no good n-word. Yes, I said it."
It didn't take long for his comment to go viral on social media and the backlash has been heavy. Many people are calling for Smith to lose his job over his comments.
Smith later spoke to Pittsburgh Action News 4 and issued an apology. "I am embarrassed at this. I want to apologize," Smith said. "I was frustrated and angry at the Steelers not standing for the anthem. My FD had absolutely nothing to do with this. I am deeply regretful at what I posted."
The apology was too little, too late for many that took offense to the racially charged comment.
The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors issued a statement to Action 4 News regarding Smith's statement. "[We are] Deeply disturbed by the comments made by Volunteer Chief Smith, and in no way, shape or form condone his comments. In that the volunteer fire departments are independent entities, the board suggests contacting the president of the Muse Fire Department regarding any further comment or action."
The incident comes on the heels of the Pittsburgh Steelers and other NFL teams showing various forms of protest during the national anthem.
