Reds Announcer Thom Brenneman Suspended

[USAFChief]

Long time announcer Thom Brenneman was suspended yesterday by the Reds after getting caught on a hot mike using a homophobic slur.

 

The suspension came during game two of a double header.

 

I'm guessing he's worked his last MLB game.

 

Awful.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/08/19/us/cincinnati-reds-broadcaster-thom-brennaman-anti-gay-slur-spt-trnd/index.html

[a-wan]

Peace out Thom, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Brock Beauchamp]

First, let’s keep this civil or the thread will be locked.

 

As for the comment... I just don’t see how this can be explained away. He said what he did clear headed and in a professional environment. It’s inexcusable and his apology was just terrible.

 

“This is not who I am”. Well, I don’t see how that isn’t who he is, as he just flippin’ said it.

[Squirrel]

yeah ... he gone (or should be, and would be if it were my call)

[wsnydes]

I was surprised to learn that he actually made it on the air for the second game of the double header.  

[Vanimal46]

This guy has been in the business for multiple decades. He should have known better and act as if the mic is hot at all times. His apology was half-assed at best, saying that’s not who he is and hiding behind his faith.

 

It’s time to usher in new play by play voices anyway. Enjoy early retirement Thom.

[Channing1964]

i guess id rather find out what a bigot or prejudiced ass he really is than have him getting away with really being one until his career is over. There's prolly way more of them out there that we would never even suspect.

[jkcarew]

I'm not one to assume that one comment represents the totality of the person. Glimpse into his soul...or stupid mistake? I don't know. The people that are around him, including the people who employ him should have a way better idea than we do. He has to be suspended. And in today's environment, I'm sure there won't be an opportunity for atonement, even if one might be justified.  

[nicksaviking]

 

I'm not one to assume that one comment represents the totality of the person. Glimpse into his soul...or stupid mistake? I don't know. The people that are around him, including the people who employ him should have a way better idea than we do. He has to be suspended. And in today's environment, I'm sure there won't be an opportunity for atonement, even if one might be justified.  

 

That's not a mistake a decent person would make in 2020 though. There's not a soul out there that hasn't been repeatedly shown that those kinds of comments are offensive. 

 

I am glad you mentioned the "people that are around him" though, because I am really curious as to why he was so comfortable saying that in front of a bunch of coworkers, regardless if the microphone was turned on or off. Is that typical Reds broadcast booth banter between innings? 

[nicksaviking]

Moderator Note:

 

Keep this on topic please.

[twinbythebay]

Yeah, if you're still casually throwing that word around in 2020, even when you think nobody is listening, there's something wrong with you. I think in almost any professional environment these days, you'd get canned for using that word. When your job is to say words into a microphone, it's especially egregious, and it's hard to blame any organization for not wanting to associate with him any longer. I also hope the Reds are taking a long, hard look at the rest of the broadcast team as well, since it sounds like this is normal banter in the booth.

[Channing1964]

I grew up a Minnesotan and I would never even think to say anything like that and especially at work. If I heard that at work I would check that S.O.B right away. There's no place for that anywhere.

[Brock Beauchamp]

A well written article on this from a Reds website.

 

http://redscontentplus.com/2020/08/one-of-the-bigotry-capitals-of-the-world/