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ESPN apologizes after airing two f-bombs in clip promoting 1986 Mets documentary

When Lenny Dykstra is involved, it's always a good idea to expect some strong four-letter words. ESPN apologized Wednesday after airing a clip in which Dykstra dropped two f-bombs, according to Awful Announcing.

The clip — which promoted the network's upcoming documentary on the 1986 New York Mets — featured Dykstra recalling a play from the team's World Series run. Dykstra used two f-bombs in the clip.

On the surface, that shouldn't be a problem. ESPN included profanity in "The Last Dance," the documentary about the Chicago Bulls' final championship with Michael Jordan. But there was one key difference between "The Last Dance" and the Dykstra clip that aired Wednesday: The Dykstra clip was played during "SportsCenter."

Because of that, anchor Kevin Negandhi apologized for the language once the promo was over.

"We apologize for the language that was used," Negandhi said. "You will see that during the broadcast of the piece, not normally on 'SportsCenter.'"

The documentary — titled "Once Upon a Time in Queens" — began airing Tuesday night. ESPN will run both the third and fourth part of the documentary Wednesday. Those broadcasts will include profanity. ESPN will likely include a disclaimer in front of both parts to warn viewers they are going to hear some cursing.

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ESPN didn't warn viewers during the "SportsCenter" broadcast, which aired earlier in the day.

It's likely not the first time fans of ESPN have heard expletives on the network. Hot mics often pick up some nasty language from players and coaches. Those instances are beyond ESPN's control.

Wednesday's clip was supposed to be edited before it aired on "SportsCenter."

Lenny Dykstra with the Mets.
Lenny Dykstra dropped two f-bombs on ESPN. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (Focus On Sport via Getty Images)