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WWE News
WWE News: WWE issues statement to TMZ confirming Hayes suspension Apr 23, 2008 - 9:15:17 PM
TMZ.com has joined in on the reporting of the story, the details of which were broken first this morning by Jason Powell at prowrestling.NET, regarding Michaels Hayes being suspended for using the n-word in reference to Mark Henry in his presence a few weeks ago. There had been rumors of a Hayes suspension for a day or two, as we acknowledged yesterday on the VIP Daily Keller Hotline, but no details on what exactly he said, who he said it to, and under what circumstances until Powell's report this morning. (story link)
TMZ had some "fun" with the details:
There's no doubt that using the n-word is stupid -- but allegedly using the n-word in front of a guy that's over six-feet-tall, weighs nearly 400 pounds and calls himself "The World's Strongest Man" is beyond idiotic. Enter WWE writer Michael Hayes. TMZ has confirmed that Hayes, the head writer for WWE's "Smackdown," has been suspended for 60 days -- allegedly for using racist language in front of wrestler Mark Henry. Michael's haymaker was supposedly thrown while out drinking at a party during the weekend of Wrestlemania, where reports say Hayes told Henry, "I'm more of a n----- than you are."
A rep for the WWE released this statement: "Due to inappropriate behavior, Michael Hayes was suspended for 60 days with no pay. In order to return to work, Michael Hayes will be required to undergo further evaluation."
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