McClelland, a columnist for NBC Chicago's Ward Room (where he's listed as Edward McClelland), posted a green decal with the words "Green Gay Fudge Packers" Jan. 15. Responses included "Maybe this is meant to be clever or ironic, but that doesn't keep it from being pretty fucking stupid" and the more innocuous "I'm not sure what to say about this."

Steve Rhodes, an editor and publisher at Beachwood Media, initially pointed out the anti-gay blurb on The Beachwood Reporter website under the headline "Mental Ward Room," writing, "NBC Ward Room correspondent Ted McClelland started with a Facebook post about Green Bay's playoff loss yesterday with a status update that said 'So long, Fudge Packers. The stereo in the bar is playing 'New York, New York.'" Rhodes added that the decal "really took it over the top."

McClelland—who wrote the book Young Mr. Obama: Chicago and the Making of a Black President—also lists his activities on his homepage as "white people" and "heterosexuality."

Windy City Times sent messages to McClelland and NBC Chicago; they were not returned by press deadline.