PITTSBURGH - KDKA General Manager Chris Pike announced the suspension of anchorman Ken Rice for "an indefinite period" for remarks made on the air yesterday. Following the conclusion of a report by KDKA sportscaster John Steigerwald on the Steelers' loss to the Denver Broncos this past Sunday, and the impact the loss has on the fragile psyche of the people of Western Pennsylvania, Rice shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "It's only a game," he said. The normal, playful banter on-set between Rice and co-anchor Patrice King Brown immediately stopped. The station momentarily left the air, and when the newscast resumed, Rice was gone. No explanation was offered to viewers for Rice's sudden departure from the set until this morning, when Pike met with reporters.
In a terse voice, Pike read from a prepared statement. "The views expressed by Ken Rice on Monday do not reflect the views of this station, its management, or its employees. Ken's insufficient level of grief, combined with his unfortunate remark, show a gross insensitivity to our audience." Pike added: "During this difficult time, the entire KD family joins the Steelers Nation in mourning the loss of our opportunity to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, and with it our own ability to milk such an opportunity for precious ratings."
Pike would not reveal the length of Rice's suspension, citing contractual reasons. Calls to Rice seeking comment were not returned, primarily because they were never made.
