Allen Pinkett removed from Notre Dame radio broadcast for season opener

Allen Pinkett will not be in the radio booth during Notre Dame's season opener against Navy in Ireland on Saturday. A day after Pinkett made controversial remarks about Notre Dame needing "criminals" on the team if it wanted to win during a radio interview in Chicago, Pinkett was removed from this weekend's broadcast.

"Allen Pinkett, a commentator on the IMG Notre Dame Radio Network who made unacceptable comments this week about student athletes, will not be part of this weekend's broadcast in Dublin," said the IMG Notre Dame Radio Network in a statement Thursday. "Don Criqui and Jeff Jeffers will handle the broadcast duties. Notre Dame taking on Navy at the Emerald Isle Classic in Dublin is an historic game showcasing the very best of American college sports. The event deserves to be free of distraction. Further decisions on this matter will be made in the coming days."

Pinkett issued a statement of his own on Wednesday after his comments caused a stir.

"In reviewing my remarks from a radio interview Wednesday, it's clear that I chose my words poorly and that an apology is in order for these inappropriate comments," said Pinkett. "My words do not reflect the strong pride and passion I have for the Notre Dame football program."

Pinkett finished his statement saying he would "accept whatever discipline is imposed."