Cincinnati Reds and Fox Sports Ohio broadcaster Thom Brennaman tells WCPO he has resigned from his position more than one month after he was suspended for using a homophobic slur on air.
” My household and I have chosen that I am going to step away from my function as the television voice of the Cincinnati Reds,” Brennaman composed to WCPO. “I would like to thank the Reds, Reds fans and the LGBTQ Community for the amazing support and grace they have shown my family and me.”
Brennaman has been suspended from the Cincinnati Reds because the Aug. 19 occurrence. He had been with the Reds given that 2006.
” I have actually remained in this occupation that I love for 33 years,” he composed. “It is my hope and intention to return. And if Im provided that chance, I will be a better broadcaster and a far better person.”
WCPO connected to the Cincinnati Reds and Fox Sports Ohio for remark.
” The Reds regard Thom Brennamans decision to step far from the broadcast cubicle and applaud his sincere efforts of reconciliation with the LGBTQ+ community,” team CEO Bob Castellini composed in a statement. “The Brennaman family has actually been an intrinsic part of the Reds history for almost fifty years. We truly thank Thom for bringing the excitement of Reds baseball to countless fans throughout his years in the cubicle. And, we value the warm welcome Thom revealed our fans at Redsfest and on the Reds Caravan. He is an excellent guy and a wonderful talent who stays part of the Reds family permanently. We wish him well.”
The event happened returning from a business break before the top of the seventh inning in the first game of a doubleheader versus the Kansas City Royals. An off-camera Brennaman explained an unidentified city as “among the (curse) capitals of the world” throughout the broadcast.
Fox Sports Ohio later on clarified that the audio only went out to audiences streaming the game, not on over-the-air television.
Brennaman apologized later in the 2nd game before leaving the broadcast cubicle.
” I made a remark previously tonight that I guess headed out over the air that I am deeply ashamed of,” Brennaman said. “If I have actually hurt anyone out there, I cant inform you just how much I state, from the bottom of my heart, Im so extremely, really sorry. I pride myself and believe of myself as a man of faith … I dont know if Im going to be putting on this headset once again.”
Following a column by WCPO 9 News anchor Evan Millward about the history and context of the slur, Brennaman penned another apology.
READ THE COLUMN: This is not a time to be quiet. Thom Brennaman, help me understand.READ THE APOLOGY: I am genuinely and deeply sorry: Brennaman excuses use of slur in letter to LGBTQ community, fans
Thom, the child of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, has been with FOX Sports for the previous 27 years, covering primarily baseball and football during that time.
FOX Sports removed Brennaman from its NFL season after the event.
” FOX Sports is incredibly disappointed with Thoms remarks throughout Wednesdays Cincinnati Reds telecast,” the network said in a statement. “The language used was abhorrent, inappropriate, and not representative of the values of FOX Sports. As it relates to Brennamans FOX NFL role, we are progressing with our NFL schedule which will not include him.”
Brennaman had actually belonged of Foxs NFL commentator lineup because they began televising the league in 1994. He belonged to the No. 3 commentator group last season and was paired with expert Chris Spielman and reporter Shannon Spake. He had actually likewise called Major League Baseball games for the network from 1996 to 2014.
A lot of regional networks still carry the Fox Sports name, they are not owned by Fox. Sinclair Broadcast Group bought them in 2019.
” I am grateful for the forgiveness so numerous have encompassed me, especially those in the LGBTQ community who I have actually fulfilled, consulted with and listened to practically daily over the last five week,” Brennaman wrote Friday. “With their continued guidance, I intend to be a voice for favorable modification.”
Brennaman declined to speak on camera with WCPO about the event or resignation on Friday afternoon.
” The Reds respect Thom Brennamans choice to step away from the broadcast booth and praise his genuine efforts of reconciliation with the LGBTQ+ neighborhood,” team CEO Bob Castellini wrote in a statement. “The Brennaman household has actually been an intrinsic part of the Reds history for nearly fifty years.” I made a remark previously tonight that I think went out over the air that I am deeply ashamed of,” Brennaman said. As it relates to Brennamans FOX NFL function, we are moving forward with our NFL schedule which will not include him.”
Brennaman had been a part of Foxs NFL announcer lineup given that they began televising the league in 1994.
