The Pittsburgh TV news producer who was fired after referring to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as a "known cheater" in a graphic says he understands why he was fired.

Michael Telek said during an interview on CNN's "New Day" on Thursday that the punishment was "harsh," but he is accepting it in stride.

"I was just trying to have a little fun, and it cost me," Telek said. "It was supposed to be like, a little wink and nudge. I didn't know if I wanted to put 'Giselle's husband' or 'known cheater.' "

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He added that he has already received word from other stations interested in hiring him.

"It's been really nice, really supportive from a lot of people," he added.

TV producer fired over writing graphic calling Tom Brady a “known cheater” says he was “just trying to have a little fun, and it cost me.” https://t.co/ftvzYxbhxq pic.twitter.com/7YkVPc3qKV — New Day (@NewDay) January 31, 2019

Telek was fired after a graphic he created referring to Brady as a "known cheater," a reference to the Deflategate scandal, appeared during a promotional segment for the Super Bowl on KDKA-TV. The Los Angeles Rams are set to play the New England Patriots on Sunday in the upcoming NFL championship game.

“While fans are entitled to have personal opinions, we have a journalistic responsibility to provide unbiased reporting,” the station said in a statement this week. “The graphic that appeared Monday violated our news standards. The individual who created the graphic no longer works for KDKA-TV.”

Telek wrote on Twitter that he would donate money raised in a GoFundMe started after his firing to a charity in Brady's name once he found a new job.

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"Hi there, I got fired for this joke. I just bought a house so that is putting a pinch on things. Once I land a job there will be a GOAT Giveaway where I will donate the money to charity in Tom Brady's name," Telek wrote.