The answer that's obvious to every single one of us is — of course not. Not that Smilovic could bring himself to say that. Or answer at all.

"That's a theoretical question. ... I really can't answer that question," he said. "I can't speak for NBC, and I can't speak for myself until I was provided with the set of circumstances."

That's beyond evasive. That's absurd.

And, no, NBC would not be touting the hiring of an actor who had used the "n" word and then unrepentantly suggested he was the victim of some sort of conspiracy.

You won't seen Michael Richards guest starring on on "Bionic Woman" anytime soon.

At the same time, Smilovic insisted, "We embrace the gay community. We are hoping that they are going to watch the show, and we are in no way making any judgments or statements or assignations about what was said or what was done."

Again, yes, they are doing exactly what Smilovic says they are not. And, no, you can't have it both ways.

Some forms of bigotry are more acceptable than others at NBC.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com