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Chris Broussard asks if James Harden is ‘r——d’ — and then cites dead cousin in bizarre apology

Chris Broussard went a step too far on Tuesday, so much so that he walked back his words seconds later. 

The FS1 host was discussing the James Harden trade on “First Things First” when he used a rather unfortunate word to describe the newest member of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Broussard had been arguing with Nick Wright about Harden’s usage in LA when he made the slip-up. 

“Is the man ‘r——d’?” Broussard queried. 

Wright quickly jumped in to admonish Broussard, saying, “you shouldn’t use that word, but sure.” 

“Developmentally disabled,” Broussard corrected himself. 

Broussard then continued to make his point about Harden’s incorrect thinking that the former Philadelphia 76er would still be able to shoot 25 times a night. 

Wright began to make a point about Harden, but Broussard jumped in to apologize for using the word just seconds before.

“Let me apologize for using that word,” Broussard said, putting up his hand to stop Wright.

He went on to say that he had a first cousin who died “a month or two ago” and had been developmentally disabled.

“I didn’t mean to use that word,” Broussard said. “I apologize to the audience and everyone.”

Chris Broussard (r.) during Tuesday's episode of "First Things First."
Chris Broussard (r.) during Tuesday’s episode of “First Things First.” Screengrab/FS1

Both Wright and fellow co-host Kevin Wildes were stunned by Broussard’s choice of words during the conversation.

Wildes may have been the most visibly surprised with a look of shock on his face with the camera focused directly on him.

ESPN had reported in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday that the 76ers had finally ended the dramatic standoff with the disgruntled Harden by sending him to the Clippers — his preferred destination — in a massive trade. 

The 76ers traded James Harden (1) to the Clippers on Tuesday.
The 76ers traded James Harden (1) to the Clippers on Tuesday. AP

The Clippers reportedly sent Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and Kenyon Martin Jr. — as well as draft picks — for Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev.