Courtesy Des Moines Register

(March 27, 2009) Former KXNO broadcaster Larry Cotlar has backed out of working for the Iowa Energy just one day after accepting an offer to do color commentary for the team’s radio broadcast.

“I want to thank the Iowa Energy for offering me the opportunity to be color commentator for reminder of the season,” Cotlar said in a statement. “However, I have to respectfully decline their offer at this time.”

Cotlar said circumstances had changed since he accepted the job on Thursday.

“I am now considering other career opportunities and choose to look forward,” he said. “I sincerely regret any inconvenience and wish them continue to good luck with season.”

Cotlar’s decision not to team up with Marty Tirrell, who along with Cotlar was fired this week by the Des Moines radio station following a profane, on-air argument last Friday, is the latest twist in the week-long controversy.

The argument included Tirrell’s use of the “F-word” at least a dozen times and once by Cotlar. The use of profane language between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on radio broadcasts is considered a violation of Federal Communication Commission regulations.

Officials for the Energy, an NBA Development League basketball team, announced Thursday that Tirrell and Cotlar had agreed to do the broadcast of the Energy’s game Saturday against Fort Wayne.

Energy officials also said each man would address fans about the incident at the game. Energy officials also said they will retain Geoff Conn, who also was fired by KXNO because of the incident, as public address announcer.

Iowa Energy officials issued a statement after Cotlar’s decision, saying “we respect his right to change his mind.”

The Energy said Bobby Hansen, a former player for Iowa and the NBA's Chicago Bulls, has agreed to do color commentary with Tirrell. Hansen handles radio color commentary for University of Iowa men’s basketball games.

The game, which will begin at 7 p.m., will still include Tirrell and Conn addressing fans during the game, officials said.