Terry Bradshaw Apologizes for 'Bucket of Chicken' Comment on Reggie Bush

Terry Bradshaw became the subject of some controversy after a joke he made during Fox's NFL studio show didn't come out as he intended.

our editor recommends

'The Bachelor' Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed

Toronto 2012: 'War Witch' Director Kim Nguyen on Racism in Global Film Distribution

Alec Baldwin Calls Hank Williams Jr. a 'Senile, Racist Coot'

John Rich Calls Clay Aiken 'Racist' Over RNC Remarks on Twitter

On Sunday, Bradshaw was discussing highlights of the first half of the Miami Dolphins-Indianapolis Colts game with fellow Fox studio analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson. During a clip that showed Miami's Reggie Bush making an impressive 18-yard touchdown run, Bradshaw said: "Look at this, Jimmy -- like he was chasing that bucket of chicken that the wind was blowing the other day."

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas

Many wondered if that comment held an element of racism as Bush is an African-American.

During the segment, Strahan (also an African-American) suggested that the comment had been directed at Johnson, quipping: "I'm glad you're talking about Jimmy and not me."

And on Monday, Bradshaw was quick to apologize, confirming that Johnson was the target of his remark.

"[I'm] so sorry if I hurt anybody and I'm shocked I'm in this position," Bradshaw told USA Today.

He said he meant to say "you" (as in Johnson) instead of "he" (as in Bush) and hadn't realized he had made the mistake until Monday morning, when Fox staffers played the tape for him.

"I can't defend myself," Bradshaw said. "I've never been in a situation like this. I don't know how to react, except to apologize for something I didn't know I said. I've been upset today. It's not me. I'm shocked."

PHOTOS: Touchdown! Hollywood's Best Football Movies

He added the comment was part of a running joke Sunday.

Johnson's "big thing is chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken. He won't share it with anybody," Bradshaw said.

For his part, Johnson echoed that sentiment Monday on Twitter: "Terry Bradshaw was referring to me about 'chicken'..I eat 4 pieces on the set every Sunday! Now I'm in trouble with my wife."