Oakland Athletics broadcaster Glen Kuiper has been suspended indefinitely following his use of a racial slur during a live broadcast on Friday night (Fox News). Kuiper, a veteran play-by-play announcer for the A’s, made the derogatory comment during the pre-game show prior to a match (CNN).
The Athletics organization has publicly denounced Kuiper’s apparent accidental use of the slur, labeling it “unacceptable” (Yahoo Sports). NBC Sports Bay Area, which broadcasts the games, has also suspended Kuiper in light of the incident (KRON4).
Although Kuiper has reportedly apologized for his comment, claiming to be “horrified” by his own language (KRON4), he will remain off the air while both the Oakland Athletics organization and NBC Sports California conduct a review of the matter (Yahoo Sports).
This is the latest development in the ongoing issue of insensitivity and racism within sports broadcasting. The suspension of a seasoned professional like Kuiper serves as a stark reminder that even those with long-standing careers in the industry are not immune to lapses in judgment or the consequences that follow.
The Oakland Athletics and NBC Sports California are expected to release an official statement regarding the outcome of their review and any potential disciplinary actions against Kuiper in the coming days (CBS News).
