The Cincinnati Reds expressed deep disappointment over sports commentator Thom Brennaman’s use of a homophobic slur during their recent game against Kansas City.
The offensive language was picked up by the microphone of Fox Sports Ohio as Brennaman, not realizing he was on air, made inappropriate remarks about a particular location being “one of the fag capitals of the world.”
Brennaman continued with the broadcast until the top of the fifth inning of the second game, at which point he faced the camera to issue an apology before leaving his play-by-play duties unfinished.
“I made a comment earlier tonight,” Brennaman stated, “that I guess went out over the air, that I am deeply ashamed of. If I have hurt anyone out there, I can’t tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart that I am very, very sorry.
“I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith–” Brennaman paused as he returned briefly to talk about a play, “–as there is a drive into deep left field by Castellanos. It will be a home run, and so that will make it a 4-0 ballgame.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be putting on this headset again… I can’t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am. That is not who I am and it has never 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.”
After Brennaman’s departure, Jim Day took over the play-by-play duties, and Brennaman has been suspended from future Reds broadcasts.
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