Joe Flacco in the R-word Pledge: Ravens Football Star Pledges Never to Say 'Retarded' Again (VIDEO)
Joe Flacco's use of the R-word got him in deep water last season, after he commented that it was "retarded" that the 2014 Super Bowl would be played at the MetLife Stadium.
The football star has since indicated that he will no longer use the "R-word" and has expressed his regret that he had used that word in an interview during the 2013 Super Bowl media day.
At that time Flacco was asked what he thought of the idea of next season's Super Bowl being held at MetLife Stadium, to which he replied, "I think it's retarded. I probably shouldn't say that. I think it's stupid."
Following those comments the media had a field day, and Flacco was criticized. However, many pointed out that it was simply a slip of the tongue and that he had even corrected himself as soon as he said it.
However, Flacco and a number of other Ravens' players have now signed a pledge to erase the word from their vocabulary.
Flacco was joined in his pledge with colleagues, tight end Ed Dickson and center Gino Gradkowski.
The move by Flacco remains in line with his previous comments and actions regarding the incident. The day after he made the comments, the second media day at the 2013 Super Bowl, he gave another comment to USA Today, addressing the incident and saying, "Obviously, it was a bad choice of words. I wish I hadn't said it. I have a great relationship with Special Olympics back in Baltimore and have had one for many years. I didn't mean to offend anybody, but I definitely apologize for it."
Now again nearly four months later, Flacco has made a pledge to never use the "R-word" again. He signed the pledge at the Maryland Special Olympics' offices in Baltimore. The Maryland Special Olympics posted a photo of Flacco and his teammates after they signed the pledge.