Oakland A’s announcer Glen Kuiper fired after using racial slur on air

NBC Sports California has parted ways with Oakland A’s broadcaster Glen Kuiper who used a racial slur earlier this month during a live broadcast while he was talking about his trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the network announced today.

Oakland A's announcer Glen Kuiper said a racial slur during a pregame broadcast on May 5, 2023. (Credit: Screenshot - NBC Sports) — Oakland A’s announcer Glen Kuiper said a racial slur during a pregame broadcast on May 5, 2023. (Credit: Screenshot – NBC Sports)

Kuiper said the n-word during a pregame segment on May 5 and apologized afterward on air during the 6th inning.

According to The Athletic, Kuiper said:

“A little bit earlier in the show, I said something, didn’t come out quite the way I wanted it to,” Kuiper said. “I just wanted to apologize if it sounded different than I meant it to be said. I just wanted to apologize for that.”

Prior to NBC’s announcement today, the 60-year-old announcer who has been with the Oakland A’s for 20 seasons had been suspended since the on-air gaffe.

Today, NBC Sports California reportedly released a statement on Monday, which said:

“Following an internal review, the decision has been made for NBC Sports California to end its relationship with Glen Kuiper, effective immediately. We thank Glen for his dedication to Bay Area baseball over the years.”

Per an LA Times report:

A person familiar with the investigation said that “the decision was based on a variety of factors, including information uncovered in the internal review.” The person spoke on condition of anonymity and did not divulge details because the network had not publicly disclosed the results of the investigation.

Kuiper issued a statement Monday night, saying in part:

“It was a terrible but honest mispronunciation, and I take full responsibility,” said Kuiper.

“I am an honest, caring, kind, honorable, respectful husband and father who would never utter a disparaging word about anybody. Those who know me best know this about me. I wish the Oakland A’s and NBC Sports would have taken into consideration my 20-year career, my solid reputation, integrity, and character, but in this current environment traits like integrity and character are no longer considered. I will always have a hard time understanding how one mistake in a 20-year broadcasting career is cause for termination, but I know something better is in my future.”

More about Kuiper’s suspension and firing can be found here.