The A’s broadcaster was suspended after an apparent racial slur
Kuiper has been calling A’s games in the Bay Area for about 20 years. He is the younger brother of former major leaguer and Giants announcer Duane Kuiper.
OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Athletics broadcaster Glen Kuiper was suspended after he uttered what sounded like a racial slur while describing a trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
NBC Sports California said in a statement Saturday that Kuiper will remain on the air until a review of what transpired during Friday night’s broadcast is completed.
In a pregame segment on NBC Sports California before the A’s play the Kansas City Royals Friday night, Kuiper talked about a trip to the museum with fellow Dallas Braden, but apparently mispronounced the word “nigger,” making it sound instead an insult.
Later in the game, Kuiper apologized on air without going into detail, saying he said something that “didn’t come out quite the way I wanted it to”.
“I couldn’t be more sorry and horrified by what I said,” Kuiper said Saturday in a statement released by NBC Sports California. “I hope you accept my most sincere apologies.”
Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, released a statement on Kuiper Saturday on Twitter.
“I am aware of the unfortunate insult made by Glen Kuiper,” Kendrick said. “I welcomed Glen to the NLBM yesterday and I know he was genuinely excited to be here. Speech is painful and has no place in our society. And while I don’t pretend to know Glen’s heart, I know mine is a heart of forgiveness. I hope you all find it within yourselves to do the same!
The A’s later released a statement Friday night, calling Kuiper’s language “unacceptable.”
Kuiper has been calling A’s games in the Bay Area for about 20 years. He is the younger brother of former major leaguer and Giants announcer Duane Kuiper.
Radio announcers Johnny Doskow and Vince Controneo will rotate as play-by-play announcers during Kuiper’s absence.
