Sportscaster Suspended For Using N-Word On Air

L-R Dallas Braden, Glen Kuiper
L-R Dallas Braden, Glen Kuiper (screen capture)

Oakland Athletics sportscaster Glen Kuiper has been suspended for using the N-word on air. He will remain off the air until a review of his use of the racial slur is completed.

Via Yahoo Sports:

The slur occurred during Friday’s pregame show ahead of a weekend series opener against the Kansas City Royals.

Appearing alongside color commentator Dallas Braden, Kuiper tried to tell the audience the pair had visited Kansas City’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Kuiper, who has been Oakland’s television play-by-play commentator since 2006, later issued an apology at the start of the sixth inning, saying his intended words came out as something else.

Quoting Kuiper: “We had a phenomenal day today – N*gger League Museum and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.”

Kuiper issued an apology through NBC Sports saying, “I could not be more sorry and horrified by what I said. I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies.”

Do I think this man should lose his livelihood for life? I’m not smart enough to figure out what should be the end result here.

Related: Sportscaster Using Gay Slur On-Air: ‘I Have Never Used That Word Before In My Life’

What I WILL say, though, is the n-word rolled right off his tongue. And that’s what I find disconcerting.

The official Twitter account for the Oakland A’s issued this statement:

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, issued this statement:

“I’m aware of the unfortunate slur made by Glen Kuiper. I welcomed Glen to the NLBM yesterday and know he was genuinely excited to be here.

“The word is painful and has no place in our society. And while I don’t pretend to know Glen’s heart I do know that my heart is one of forgiveness. I hope all of you will find it in yourselves to do the same!”