Disgraced Reds announcer Thom Brennaman resurfaces in Puerto Rican winter league four months after resigning when he was caught using homophobic slur on hot mic
Former Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman has landed a new gig doing play-by-play for the Roberto Clemente League in Puerto Rico after resigning three months ago for using a homophobic slur during a game in August.
The news was first reported by The Athletic on Tuesday, which coincided with the league's opening day. The Roberto Clemente League does stream games online on its English-language website, but it's not clear if that will be Brennaman's platform. League spokespeople did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's request for clarification.
Brennaman stepped down as the Reds' play-by-play broadcaster for FOX Sports Ohio in late September after he used a homophobic slur on a hot mic during a game a month earlier when the team was playing in Kansas City. (Brennaman was calling the game from a studio due to COVID-19 restrictions)
The Clemente league, also referred to as the Puerto Rican Winter League, features five teams and plays roughly 30 games. The winner of the league advances to the Caribbean Series against champs from other Latin American leagues.
Former Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman (pictured) has landed a new gig doing play-by-play for the Roberto Clemente League in Puerto Rico after resigning in September for using a homophobic slur during a game in August
The son of legendary Reds radio announcer Marty, Thom Brennaman has been calling baseball and football games for 33 years. This also marked the first year since 1994 that he was not used on Fox's NFL coverage.
Brennaman's initial comment was uttered during the first game of an August 19 doubleheader against Kansas City, which he described as 'one of the f** capitals of the world' before the top of the seventh inning.
The 57-year-old did not seem to realize he was already on air.
Brennaman remained on the broadcast for the remainder of Game 1 of the doubleheader and the start of Game 2. He apologized in the top of the fifth inning of the second game before being replaced by Jim Day, who typically works as the broadcast team's on-field reporter.
The Clemente league, also referred to as the Puerto Rican Winter League, features five teams and plays roughly 30 games. The winner of the league advances to the Caribbean Series against champs from other Latin American leagues
His fifth-inning apology was made even more awkward by a home run from Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos, which the veteran broadcaster still managed to relay to the audience.
'I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith,' Brennaman began. 'As there's 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,' he continued. 'I don't know if it's going to be for the Reds, if it's going to be for my bosses at Fox.
'I can't begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am,' Brennaman said. 'That is not who I am and never has been. I like to think maybe I could have some people who can back that up. I am very, very sorry and I beg for your forgiveness.'
Broadcast partner Chris Welsh told Brennaman 'You're a good man, partner. Hang in there.'
'He is a fantastic talent and a good man who remains part of the Reds family forever,' Reds CEO Bob Castellini added in a statement on Friday. 'We wish him well.'
The son of legendary broadcaster Marty Brennaman (left), Thom (right) has called Major League Baseball games for 33 years and had been with FOX Sports for the past 27
Brennaman was quickly condemned on social media by the LGBTQ community and many within Major League Baseball.
'It was extremely disturbing to hear Brennaman's homophobic comments wielded so nonchalantly,' said Barbara Simon, head of news and campaigns for GLAAD.
'Those in the room with Brennaman should clarify if that level of casual homophobia existed as a constant in the booth, or if anyone stepped in,' she continued.
'Players, MLB and the network have acted swiftly to call out Brennaman's behavior, stand beside the LGBTQ community, and send the message that it's inexcusable to use such hateful language - mic on or off.'
Billy Bean, MLB's ambassador for inclusion (not to be confused with A's general manager Billy Beane), praised the Reds' swift action to suspend Brennaman following the game.
'The unfortunate event that occurred last night in Cincinnati was disheartening. The Reds' immediate response and statement are a powerful example of MLB's zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or bias toward the LGBTQ+ community or any person at any time,' he said.
'There is no doubt where MLB stands in regard to respect and acceptance for our players, coaches, employees, fans, and our television viewers,' he said.
'Last night is a difficult reminder that there is still much work to do. We will pause for a moment, and utilize this incident as a learning opportunity for every one of our stakeholders.'
Brennaman's apology was made even more awkward by a home run from Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos, which the veteran broadcaster still managed to relay to the audience
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