The decision came after months of controversy surrounding Washington's continued used of a gay slur. Though Washington had sought counseling, met with leaders of the gay community and participated in a public service announcement, the network decided that he would not return to the show in the fall, ending much speculation following the show's cliffhanger ending to season 3.

Washington was in no way coy about his anger surrounding ABC's decision. He issued a statement through his rep, Howard Bragman, which read, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore." The infamous line comes from the film Network. Bragman told TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, "Isaiah really is angry…If you made a mistake, you acknowledged the mistake, you went into counseling, you met with the groups, you did the PSA, you did everything that was asked of you, and then they still kick you in the gut? How would you feel?"

Bragman explains, "There was a discussion and it was agreed upon that this is what needs to be done to come back, and he did everything. And, in fact, WE were the ones that pushed for the PSA." While Bragman admits that there was no formal agreement about Washington's return to the show, he asked, "If they wanted to fire him, why didn't they fire him when [the incident] happened? Why did they say, 'Here's what you need to do if you want to come back… ' and then, when he did everything that was asked of him, he still gets fired. Why do you treat somebody like that?"

When asked about the possibility of Washington pursuing legal action against ABC, Bragman said, "It would be premature to speculate. We have time to discuss that." He did say that he doubts Washington will make any future appearances on "Grey's Anatomy." He told Ausiello, " I certainly can't imagine they would tell him they're not renewing his contract and then ask him to come back and clean things up."