Disgraced MLB, NFL announcer Thom Brennaman resigns from Reds broadcasts after using anti-gay slur

Veteran MLB and NFL play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman, suspended after using an anti-gay slur during a broadcast last month, has resigned from his role with the Cincinnati Reds.

“My family and I have decided that I am going to step away from my role as the television voice of the Cincinnati Reds,” Brennaman wrote to WCPO. “I would like to thank the Reds, Reds fans and the LGBTQ Community for the incredible support and grace they have shown my family and me. I have been in this profession that I love for 33 years. It is my hope and intention to return. And if I’m given that opportunity, I will be a better broadcaster and a much better person.”

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Last month, Brennaman uttered a homophobic insult during a game between the Reds and Kansas City Royals.

According to CNN, Brennaman was heard “saying on the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast, ‘One of the f*g capitals of the world,’ before then resuming his on-air duties. It’s unknown what led to that remark and the context behind it. The comment was made after a commercial break.”

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports “the incident occurred just before the seventh inning in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Later Wednesday evening, during the second game of the doubleheader, Brennaman apologized while live on the air.”

Brennaman was then pulled off the broadcast and the Reds issued a statement denouncing his homophobic comment.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Fox Sports Ohio released a statement shortly after the Reds: “The language that Thom Brennaman used this evening is hateful, offensive, and in no way reflects the values of FOX Sports Ohio. We agree with the Reds' decision to suspend him until further notice.”

FOX Sports subsequently announced Brennaman will not work on NFL broadcasts for the network in 2020. Per ESPN:

“FOX Sports is extremely disappointed with Thom Brennaman’s remarks during Wednesday’s Cincinnati Reds telecast,” Fox said in a statement Thursday. “The language used was abhorrent, unacceptable, and not representative of the values of FOX Sports.”

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