49ers suspend broadcaster for insensitive Ray Rice remark

San Francisco 49ers radio broadcaster Ted Robinson has been suspended two games by the team for insensitive comments made Monday on KNBR in regard to the Ray Rice domestic violence case.

Robinson, 57, also was suspended two games by the Pac-12 Netowrk and will undergo sensitivity training. He was on air Monday speaking about Rice's wife, Janay Palmer, in regard to the aftermath following the release of video by TMZ.com of Rice striking Palmer with a left hook and knocking her unconscious in an Atlantic City casino elevator.

Robinson has been the 49ers' play-by-play announcer since 2009 and is on contract through 2018.

"I want to unconditionally apologize for my comments the other day," Robinson said in a statement. "As a professional communicator, I am responsible for my words. My choice of words was careless and does not reflect my true feelings about domestic violence. I understand that the cycle of abuse keeps people in unhealthy relationships. No blame or responsibility for domestic violence should ever be placed on a victim."

Pressure is mounting for the 49ers to take action against defensive end Ray McDonald, who was arrested Aug. 31 on suspicion of felony domestic violence. His arrest came three days after the NFL revamped its domestic violence policy in the fallout from the NFL's initial two-game suspension of Rice. McDonald was permitted to play in the 49ers' 28-17 win at Dallas.

McDonald, who has not been charged with a crime, is due in court Sept. 15, but team officials from head coach Jim Harbaugh to team CEO Jed York have said they will allow for due process.

"The comments made by radio broadcaster Ted Robinson on Monday were offensive and in no way reflect the views of the San Francisco 49ers organization," 49ers president Paraag Marathe said in a statement. "We have made the decision to suspend him for the next two games. I informed Ted of our decision earlier today, and we will continue to address this matter with him internally. Our organization stands strongly against domestic violence and will not tolerate comments such as these."

Follow Izzy Gould on Twitter @IzzyGould.