NEWARK, N.J., July 16 (UPI) -- News 12 reporter Sean Bergin was doing a story on the shooting of a police officer when he said one contributing factor was the "anti-cop" mentality in inner cities caused by absent black fathers.
In his report Sunday, he said the station decided to report on a suspect in the shooting case of Jersey City Officer Melvin Santiago to "shine a light on this anti-cop mentality that has so contaminated America's inner cities."
"The underlying cause for all of this, of course: Young black men growing up without fathers," he continued.
The controversial statement landed him a suspension from the station, which he announced on Facebook.
News 12 issued a statement following the suspension.
"It is News 12's policy that reporters must be objective and not state personal opinions on-air. In regards to the particular incident with Sean Bergin, the matter is being addressed internally and we don't comment on personnel matters," said a News 12 spokesman.
Bergin, who is standing by his statement, said he has received support from thousands of viewers, some of whom have even made a Facebook page, requesting his return.
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