KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman used an anti-gay slur on the air during Cincinnati’s game Wednesday night and later left the broadcast after apologizing.
Brennaman used the slur moments after the Fox Sports Ohio feed recovered from a commercial break before reaching the top of the seventh inning in the first game of a doubleheader at Kansas City. Brennaman did not seem to realize he was already on air.
The 56-year-old Brennaman remained on the air in the second game until the top of the fifth inning, when he spoke directly to the camera before handing over play-by-play duties.
“I made a remark earlier last night that I think I went out of the air that I am deeply ashamed,” he said. “When I hurt someone there, I can not tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart, I am very sorry.”
Brennaman added: “I do not know if I will re-apply this headset” and apologized to the Reds, Fox Sports and his colleagues.
Major League Baseball was aware of the incident but had no immediate comment. The Reds did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Brennaman and the Reds announcers worked from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, even though the doubleheader was against the Royals in Kansas City. Remote broadcasts have become the norm in baseball this year due to coronavirus protocols.
The son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, Thom has played 33 league games for 33 years and has spent the past 27 at Fox Sports, dealing primarily with baseball and football.
“I can not begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am,” Brennaman said. ‘That’s not who I am and never have been. I like to think that I might have some people who can bake that. I’m so sorry, and sorry for your forgiveness. ‘
Broadcast partner Chris Welsh told Brennaman “You are a good man, partner. Hang in there.”
Alternate play by playwright Jim Day took over the broadcast.
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