Thom Brennaman Video: Thom Brennaman is a former sports broadcaster who worked for the Cincinnati Reds, Fox Sports, and other networks. He is best known for calling the 2010 National League Division Series between the Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies when he said, “And this is going to be a home run. Unbelievable. A home run for Roy Halladay. Do you believe that? Roy Halladay has thrown a no-hitter!”
However, his career ended abruptly in 2020 when he was caught using an anti-gay slur on a hot mic during a Reds game against the Kansas City Royals. The incident sparked outrage and criticism from fans, players, and the LGBTQ+ community. Brennaman apologized on air and left the broadcast but was later suspended and fired by the Reds and Fox Sports.
In this article, we will explore the details of the Thom Brennaman video, the aftermath of his remark, and his attempts to redeem himself.
What Happened in the Thom Brennaman Video?
The Thom Brennaman video was recorded on August 19, 2020, during the first game of a doubleheader between the Reds and the Royals. The video shows Brennaman and his broadcast partner Jim Day talking about an upcoming promo for the Reds Live pregame show. As the camera pans over the empty stadium, Brennaman can be heard saying, “One of the f*g capitals of the world,” before resuming his commentary.
It is unclear what prompted Brennaman to make such a comment or who he was referring to. Some speculated that he was talking about San Francisco, where the Reds were scheduled to play next, or Kansas City, where the game occurred. Others suggested that he was repeating something he heard from someone else or that he was unaware that his microphone was on.
Regardless of his intention, his remark was heard by thousands of viewers who were watching the game on Fox Sports Ohio. Many took to social media to express their anger and disappointment at Brennaman’s homophobic slur. Some also called for his immediate dismissal from his broadcasting duties.
DON’T MISS: Dawn Brancheau Video – A Tragic and Controversial Footage of a SeaWorld Trainer’s Death
How Did Thom Brennaman Apologize?
Brennaman realized his mistake shortly after he made it, as he issued an apology during the fifth inning of the same game. He said:
“I made a comment earlier tonight 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 I am so very, very sorry. I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith, as there is a drive into deep left field by Castellanos and 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 don’t know if it’s going to be for the Reds. I don’t know if it’s going to be for my bosses at Fox. I want to apologize for the people who sign my paycheck, for the Reds, for Fox Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody that I’ve offended here tonight.”
Many viewers found Brennaman’s apology insincere and awkward, especially since he interrupted it to call a home run by Nick Castellanos. Some also criticized him for focusing more on his own career than on the harm he caused to the LGBTQ+ community.
Brennaman did not finish calling the game, handing over his headset to another announcer after his apology. He also did not return for the second game of the doubleheader.
DON’T MISS: Crocodile Attack India Video – A Horrifying Incident That Shook The Nation
What Were the Consequences of Thom Brennaman’s Slur?
The consequences of Thom Brennaman’s slur were swift and severe. The Cincinnati Reds issued a statement condemning his remark and announcing his suspension from their broadcasts. They said:
“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. We will be addressing our broadcasting team in the coming days. In no way does this incident represent our players, coaches, organization, or our fans. We share our sincerest apologies to the LGBTQ+ community in Cincinnati, Kansas City, all across this country, and beyond.”
Fox Sports also released a statement distancing themselves from Brennaman and suspending him from their NFL coverage. They said:
“FOX Sports is extremely disappointed with Thom Brennaman’s remarks during Wednesday’s Cincinnati Reds telecast. The language used was abhorrent, unacceptable, and not representative of the values of FOX Sports. As it relates to Brennaman’s FOX NFL role, we are moving forward with our NFL schedule which will not include him.”
Brennaman also faced backlash from several former and current players, who denounced his slur and expressed their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Joey Votto, Amir Garrett, Sean Doolittle, and Billy Hamilton were among them.
Brennaman’s slur also cost him his induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, scheduled for 2021. The Reds Hall of Fame Board of Directors voted to rescind his election, saying that his remark “does not reflect the values of the Reds Hall of Fame.”
DON’T MISS: Crocodile Attack India Video – A Horrifying Incident That Shook The Nation
How Has Thom Brennaman Tried to Redeem Himself?
Since his suspension and firing, Thom Brennaman has tried to redeem himself by apologizing again and reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community. He has given several interviews to local and national media outlets, where he expressed his regret and remorse for his slur. He said:
“I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. I don’t know how many times I can say it. I can’t begin to tell you how deeply ashamed I am. That is not who I am as a person. That is not who I have ever been.”
He also claimed that he did not know the meaning or the history of the word he used and that he learned it from his father, Marty Brennaman, a former Reds broadcaster. He said:
“I had no idea it was as rooted in hate and violence and all the things that it is associated with today. I had no idea. I think if I did, I would have known better. I know better now.”
He also said that he has been meeting with LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, such as GLAAD, PFLAG, and Ryan Messer, a Cincinnati school board member who is gay. He said that he has been listening to their stories and learning from their experiences. He said:
“I want to understand as much as I can to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”
He also said that he hopes to return to broadcasting someday but understands if people do not want to hear his voice again. He said:
“I don’t know if I’m going to get another chance. I hope I do. But if I don’t, I understand why.”
Conclusion
The Thom Brennaman video was shocking and shameful in sports broadcasting history. It exposed homophobia and ignorance in some parts of society and hurt many people who deserve respect and dignity. Brennaman’s apology and attempts to redeem himself may be sincere, but they may not be enough to erase the damage he caused or restore his reputation.
The Thom Brennaman video also serves as a reminder that words matter and that we should always be careful about what we say and how we say it. We should also be aware of our words’ impact on others, especially those who are different from us or face discrimination and oppression. We should always strive to be more inclusive, compassionate, and respectful in our speech and in our actions.
