Comedian Jeff Ross, Roastmaster General of the New York Friars' Club, made a joke about the Aurora theater massacre during Saturday's roast of Roseanne Barr that Comedy Central deemed too soon — and cut from the televised version set to air next Sunday.

"Seth, congratulations," Ross said, addressing actor Seth Green. "This is actually a great night for you. You haven't gotten this much attention since you shot all those people in Aurora." He continued: "I'm kidding. You are not like James Holmes. At least he did something in a movie theater that people remember!"

Ross, who showed up to the roast dressed as disgraced college football coach Joe Paterno flanked by two young men in football helmets and towels, told NBC News he "crossed a line" but "that is what the roasts are about" and holding back would have done Roseanne "a disservice."

Comedian Dane Cook took some in late July for cracking wise at the expense of the Aurora shooting victims during a stand-up performance at the Laugh Factory in LA. He later apologized for his "bad judgment call."

[photo via Getty]