The Cincinnati Reds' iconic play-by-play announcer Tom Brennaman has been suspended indefinitely Wednesday after a video surfaced of him using a homophobic slur on a hot mic earlier that day in advance of the first game of a double header.
During the second game, Brennaman delivered an apology straight to camera, in which he acknowledged his career may well be over.
While announcing the game, Brennaman looked directly into the camera and acknowledged the gravity of what he'd said.
"If I have hurt anyone out there, I can't tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart, I am so very, very sorry…"
"I don't know if I'll be putting on this headset again. I don't know if it'll be for the Reds, I don't know if it's going to be for my bosses at Fox, I want to apologize to the people that sign my paycheck — for the Reds, for Fox Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody I've offended tonight … I beg for your forgiveness."
Brennaman was removed from the broadcast shortly thereafter, as clips of his comments began circulating on social media.
The comment in question came during live announcements for the Reds pregame show, in which Brennaman was heard saying "One of the f*g capitals of the world." Warning: This video contains the uncensored slur.
It's unknown what Brennaman was referring to or the context in which the comment came.
In a statement, the Cincinnati Reds said they were "devastated" by Brennaman's remark, which they called "horrific."
It was a sentiment shared by some of its players, who took to Twitter to make clear where they stood on the issue of supporting the LGBTQ community.
And many others on Twitter were equally outraged.
And many LGBTQ professionals in sports, as well as fans, spoke out about their experiences with homophobia in sports.
And, of course, there were a few jokes at Brennaman's expense.
Brennaman is the son of legendary sportscaster Marty Brennaman. He has been broadcasting for the Cincinnati Reds since 2006.
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