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Hayes Banned After Racist Slur

Posted: Apr 25th 2008 By: CMBurnham

SMACKDOWN head writer Michael Hayes has been suspended by the WWE, after allegedly using racist language.

According to Prowrestling.net's Jason Powell the former Freebird told black grappler Mark Henry: ?I'm more of a n***** than you are."

Hayes also headbutted Henry, in what was described as a playful manner, before a frank exchange of words - which Mark then reported to the McMahons.

The incident is said to have taken place at a party during WrestleMania weekend at the end of March.

Hayes has not appeared at any WWE events since then.

The company released a statement saying: "Due to inappropriate behaviour, Michael Hayes was suspended for 60 days with no pay.

?In order to return to work, Michael Hayes will be required to undergo further evaluation."

It is believed that other wrestlers have complained about Hayes? language in the past and it may have even played a part in Bobby Lashley?s decision to quit the company.

Powell says: ?Michael Hayes is lucky to still have a job. He was suspended for 60 days for using a racial slur that several sources claim is a word he uses on a regular basis.

?For whatever reason, Hayes felt comfortable using this word in most settings. I've been told he's uses the word in public and while on the job routinely.

?Some co-workers don't believe there is any malice intended - others disagree in some specific cases - but I think they also realize that he needs to wake up and come to grips with the fact that it's 2008 and he's working in a corporate environment.

?It doesn't matter how comfortable Hayes feels with certain talent or colleagues. He holds a power position. There are wrestlers and colleagues who have been offended by his racial slurs, yet bit their tongues because of his stroke within the company.

?Others have been vocal about Hayes in the past, so it's troubling that it's taken the company this long to punish him.?