Controversy over proposal to name school's ball field for talk show host

January 10, 2007 (WLS) -- A North Side school is asking its local alderman to decide whether to name its softball field after a controversial radio host.

The Score's Mike North once attended Senn High School on North Glenwood. The school proposed naming the field in his honor until North angered the Korean community this summer. While referring to a Chicago Cubs pitcher, who is Korean, North made what some construe as a slur against Asians.

"We adamantly oppose dedicating the ball field in the name of Mike North. Some may say, 'Well, he apologized, that should be enough.' It isn't that simple," said William Yoshino, Japanese American Citizens League.

"I'm not a racist; I'm an entertainer. People cannot take jokes," North said. "I understand there are groups out there that have to watch out for things. I've never shied away from any kind of challenge," said North.

North has apologized for the comment. He says he will support the school whether they name the field after him or not.

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