The Portland Trail Blazers fired new TV play-by-play voice Braiden Bell. The firing came hours after his hiring, once racist and misogynistic tweets from his teens surfaced from local television channel KGW.
What We Know: KGW reporter Devon Haskins first spotted the tweets, which date to 2012 and 2013. KGW then asked the team for comment, and the Blazers announced the firing several hours later. Meanwhile, the posts remained live Thursday evening on the account Bell still uses for sports commentary. Bell most recently worked as the play-by-play voice for the Phoenix Mercury and the NBA G League’s Valley Suns. He has also was on the call for Division I games for Arizona State University and California Baptist University.
What They Said: Portland Trail Blazers statement to KGW TV: “The Portland Trail Blazers have zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments. Social media posts made by our recently announced play-by-play broadcaster are in clear violation of team and league policies, as well as our values and expectations. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with this broadcaster.”
What Remains Unclear: Furthermore, the Blazers still need a replacement for longtime voice Kevin Calabro. Calabro left in July after rejecting what he called a “subprime” offer, a jab at new owner Tom Dundon. Michael Holton, Neil Everett, Jamie Hudson and Tom Haberstroh also left, though analyst Lamar Hurd remains under contract.
What It Means: Ultimately, the episode adds another misstep to Dundon’s turbulent first months as owner. Since March, the team has laid off more than 70 employees and overhauled its broadcast crew. Additionally, the team’s refusal to fund a proposed $600 million Moda Center renovation has fueled relocation speculation. Now, the Blazers must find a new TV voice while repairing trust with Rip City.
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