Whether you knew his name before August, you've probably been familiar with broadcaster Thom Brennaman's work for some time.
From 1998-2006, he was the Arizona Diamondbacks' play-by-play announcer, which included calling Randy Johnson's historic perfect game in 2004. Since 2006, Brennaman has been a play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds, where his father, Marty, forged a legendary broadcasting career. From 1994 until the end of last season, he was also one of FOX's national NFL announcers.
At 56, Brennaman is one of the more accomplished announcers of his era. However, his broadcasting tenure may be over after he was caught on a hot mic using a homophobic slur on Aug. 19 during a Reds broadcast.
FOX already removed Brennaman from all its NFL games in 2020. He remains suspended indefinitely by the Reds. In an on-air apology on the night of the incident, Brennaman acknowledged that he wasn't sure he would ever get the chance to call a sporting event again:
Now, Brennaman has opened up to Mark Fischer of The New York Post about the incident.
“Believe me, I know there are a lot of people who are still very angry and I understand that,” Brennaman told The Post.
Brennaman then also added, “I have never used that word (before) in my life."
“The realization of the incredible hurt that I’ve caused using that word has been breathtaking,” Brennaman said. “It’s been absolutely amazing the amount of grace and forgiveness and support.
“If I get another chance, someone will be hiring a better person than the person who walked out the door that night on Aug. 19.”
The Post story chronicled how Evan Millward -- a newscaster who's part of the LGBTQ community -- and activist Ryan Messer are working with Brennaman and do believe that he's contrite in his apologies. However, Messer didn't buy that when Brennaman used the three-letter slur on air that it was the first time that he had ever said it. As for Brennaman's professional future, that remains unclear.
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