Good bye, Thom Brennaman

[StickyBun]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/19/us/cincin...index.html

This is a word I used constantly growing up. I mean my friends and I razzed each other using what is today a slur against gays. Also used the word 'retarded' a ton. Regardless of where you stand on the word 'fag', how can Brennaman in today's world be so dumb? This is ON THE AIR. I know he didn't know he was on (what they call a hot mic), but announcers constantly are surprised by coming back on the air sooner than they anticipate. But you have to take that word out of your vocabulary as a public person (actually, everyone should). Its mind blowing to me that he didn't understand that. I'm guessing he's done career wise. And I find him to be a really good NFL announcer. 

[Guest]

@StickyBun said:
Regardless of where you stand on the word 'fag', how can Brennaman in today's world be so dumb? ...you have to take that word out of your vocabulary as a public person. Its mind blowing to me that he didn't understand that. 

While what you're staying here is true, it sort of insinuates that it's OK to use the word, just don't be stupid enough to say it publicly. How about not use it at all? How about stop thinking of gay people pejoratively?  

Like you, I grew up saying that word. But then we're talking 40 or more years ago when I also used the n-word to describe lake fishing. I used the n-word in the song eenie meenie miney moe instead of tiger.

We all grew out of that and so should've Brennaman. Long ago. 

By the way, this should probably be on sensitive topics. It won't be long before someone bemoans the state of political correctness and that you can't say "ANYTHING without someone somewhere getting upset." *L*

[Guest]

@MaroonBells said:

@StickyBun said:
Regardless of where you stand on the word 'fag', how can Brennaman in today's world be so dumb? ...you have to take that word out of your vocabulary as a public person. Its mind blowing to me that he didn't understand that. 

While what you're staying here is true, it sort of insinuates that it's OK to use the word, just don't be stupid enough to say it publicly. How about not use it at all? How about stop thinking of gay people pejoratively?  

Like you, I grew up saying that word. But then we're talking 40 or more years ago when I also used the n-word to describe lake fishing. I used the n-word in the song eenie meenie miney moe instead of tiger.

We all grew out of that and so should've Brennaman. Long ago. 

By the way, this should probably be on sensitive topics. It won't be long before someone bemoans the state of political correctness and that you can't say "ANYTHING without someone somewhere getting upset." *L*

Yeah, agreed. I added 'actually, everyone should' because you're exactly right.

[Guest]

He got careless and didn't realize they were back on air...@ 56 that can happen lol!

It's a nasty term and his use of it probably reflects how he really feels. As a parent of LGBTQ kid, it's hurtful in a way only a parent could feel. 

Realized long ago these sentiments and words won't ever go away completely. 

Can't wait for the eloquent, "I've learned from this" press release. 

[Guest]

There's no excuse for that. Period. Sometimes you gotta learn the hard way.

[Guest]

Jeez... ALWAYS assume the mic is loaded. It's always the empty mic that kills careers.

[Guest]

Fox says Brennaman won't announce NFL games after slur

Associated PressAugust 20, 2020 — 4:25pm

LOS ANGELES — Thom Brennaman will not be calling NFL games on Fox after using an anti-gay slur on air during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast.
Fox Sports issued a statement Thursday that said "we are moving forward with our NFL schedule which will not include him." Fox also said Brennaman's remarks were "abhorrent, unacceptable, and not representative of the values of Fox Sports."
Brennaman had been a part of Fox's NFL announcer lineup since they started televising the league in 1994. He was part of the No. 3 announcer team last season and was paired with analyst Chris Spielman and reporter Shannon Spake. He had also called Major League Baseball games for the network from 1996 to 2014.
The Reds announced late Wednesday that the 56-year old broadcaster was suspended. The team also issued an apology for the "horrific, homophobic remark." The Reds closed their statement by saying they would be addressing their broadcasting team for the remainder of the season and possibly beyond in the coming days.
Brennaman, who had been a part of the Reds announcing team since 2007, used the slur moments after Fox Sports Ohio's feed returned from a commercial break before the top of the seventh inning in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Kansas City. Brennaman did not seem to realize he was already on air. The remarks prompted a firestorm on social media.
Brennaman opened the fifth inning of the second game with an apology spoken directly to the camera before handing off play-by-play duties to Jim Day.
He noted the trouble he was in by saying, "I don't know if I'm going to be putting on this headset again" while apologizing to the Reds, Fox Sports and his coworkers.
Even though most regional networks still carry the Fox Sports name, they are not owned by Fox. Sinclair Broadcast Group bought them in 2019.
The Reds announcers were working from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Teams are not sending announcers to road games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, Thom has called major league games for 33 years and has been with Fox Sports for the past 27, covering primarily baseball and football.
Marty Brennaman told The Cincinnati Enquirer on Wednesday night, "As a dad, I hurt for him,. What he said is not a reflection of who Thom Brennaman is. I know that's not him. But I also feel terrible for the people the comment offended."

[Guest]

"I mean my friends and I razzed each other using what is today a slur against gays." 

Not a all trying to start an argument because you are clearly coming from a good place. But short of you being a minimum of 115 plus years old the term was derogatory towards gays when you used it. 

[Guest]

@suncoastvike said:
Jeez... ALWAYS assume the mic is loaded. It's always the empty mic that kills careers.

Heck, you're giving the mic too much credit, its just the vessel...People kill their careers 

[Guest]

...and while we're at it, let's stop calling people names like racist, nazi, or mother f er, out of hate, laziness, and out of hand. Some of the most vile and hateful language hurled at people whose motives they don't really know, is now accepted as part of today's uncivil discourse and too widely condoned, even as most admit to witnessing our culture rot. 

Now back to beating Thom like a Piñata...