Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman appears to have been caught on a hot mic — aka a mic that was on and recording when the user was unaware — saying the homophobic slur "fag" while announcing the Reds live pre-game show against the Kansas City Royals.
The full phrase he said sounds like "the fag capitals of the world," but it's unclear what city or place he was referring to as "the capital" or why he said the word in the first place.
So far, many have commented on Twitter (obviously), including Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach.
Seelbach Tweeted, "Tonight, @Reds Announcer Thom Brennaman was caught on a hot mic saying 'one of the fag capital of the world.' The Brennaman family are Cincinnati sports icons with a powerful voice in our community, which makes it even more disgusting and totally unprofessional to hear such language used. The Reds have been proud supporters of their LGBTQ+ fans, and this language cannot be tolerated. Period. Cincinnati is leading the way for LGBTQ+ equality. We are on the right side of history and it’s incredibly disappointing to hear Mr. Brennaman use such language of hate when our country is begging for unity."
The Reds have not yet commented, nor has Brennaman.
"Seconds later he snapped back into announcer mode and read a promo for the Reds Live Pregame Show ... as if nothing had happened.
But, viewers were SHOCKED."
Can't wait for the old-timey excuse "fag" was meant as cigarette.
UPDATE: Brennaman has apologized for the slur — literally stopping mid-apology to call a home run — and apparently left the game.
Thom Brennaman’s apology. Comes with the incredibly awkward call of a home run as well.
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_NBC4) August 20, 2020
pic.twitter.com/nK8TI9Wk1g
Thom Brennaman just apologized for homophobic slur earlier in the evening. Then left the game 2 in top of 5th inning.
— George Vogel (@vogel_wlwt) August 20, 2020
