This one is a tough one. I have worked with Tom and his father Marty. He has always been a good guy. It is hard to say good when you use a homophobic slur. I don’t agree with, “Cancel Culture,” but this is part of a bigger problem. I think we all make mistakes. As a broadcaster, you have to assume that the mic is hot! My problem is his use of the term in any case. Off mic or not. I also hate when people suddenly find Jesus when they get caught.
During the broadcast of the second game in a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals, on what some are saying was because of a “hot mic,” a voice can be heard saying the slur.
That voice seemingly belongs to Thom Brennaman. Thom Brennaman has apologized for the slur.
“… one of the f*g capitals of the world”, the voice can be heard saying in the background.
It is not known what is being referenced in the statement, or if anyone knew that the mic was on at the time.
“Thom Brennamann likely ends his Reds career tonight LIVE on the air,” said Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones on his Twitter, while sharing a video of the broadcast as evidence.
Brennaman apologized for the homophobic slur Wednesday night during the second game in a doubleheader in Kansas City.
“I made a comment tonight that I am deeply ashamed of. I am so very, very sorry. I pride myself as a man of faith. I don’t know if I’ll be putting on this headset again,” said Brennaman on the broadcast. “That is not who I am and never has been. I’d like to think I have some people that can back that up. I am very sorry and I beg your forgiveness.”
Reds pitcher Amir Garrett spoke out against Brennaman’s comment, writing on Twitter, “To the LGBTQ community just know I am with you, and whoever is against you, is against me. I’m sorry for what was said today.”
Reliever Matt Bowman also spoke out against the incident, “LGBTQ+ community, as a member of the Reds organization, I am so sorry for the way you were marginalized tonight. There will always be a place for you in the baseball community and we are so happy to have you here.”
Both Brennaman and the Reds have issued statements….
“I would like to sincerely apologize for the inappropriate comments I made during last night’s telecast. I made a terrible mistake. To the LGBTQ community, and all people I have hurt or offended, from the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. I respectfully ask for your grace and forgiveness.”
“The Cincinnati Reds organization is devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark made this evening by broadcaster Thom Brennaman. He was pulled off the air, and effective immediately was suspended from doing Reds broadcasts…The Reds embrace a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination of any kind, and we are truly sorry to anyone who has been offended,” the team said in a statement. Click here to read the Reds’ full statement.
I don’t think he should lose his career, but there are some issues here.
