Work for Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman ended early and likely for a while Wednesday night, after he uttered a homophobic slur in front of a hot mic on FOX Sports Ohio.
As the second game of a Reds doubleheader against the Royals was about to start in Kansas City, Brennaman could be heard saying, “One of the f*g capitals of the world,” before beginning the broadcast. The conversation that preceded the comment is unknown, but context for the slur doesn’t seem necessary.
Two hours later, Brennaman understood the severity of his actions as he apologized before exiting the booth in the fifth inning of the game. While the apology was expected, Brennaman went so far as to say, “I don’t know if I’m going to be putting on this headset again.” Everyone knows the future of Brennaman’s job is in doubt because of the homophobic slur, but it was odd to hear him acknowledge a potential firing.
“I can’t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am,” Brennaman continued during the apology. “That is not who I am and it never has been. I’d like to think maybe I could have some people that can back that up. I am very, very sorry, and I beg for your forgiveness.”
In addition to his national broadcast work for FOX Sports, Brennaman has been an announcer with the Reds since 2006. The Cincinnati Reds suspended Brennaman immediately, releasing a statement to express support for the LGBTQ+ community and note that they’re “devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark.” The suspended broadcaster is the son of legendary Reds play-by-play voice Marty Brennaman.
Earlier in the day the Reds announced their Hall-of-Fame induction weekend for the elder Brennaman was rescheduled for July 17-18, 2021. Marty Brennaman retired from the booth after last season and was supposed to be inducted into the Reds Hall-of-Fame this April, but it was postponed because of COVID-19.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
