What did Thom Brennaman say? Looking back at the ex-MLB announcer's controversial comment on live TV

Thom Brennaman has been hired by CW as the lead voice for its Atlantic Coast Conference football broadcasts for the upcoming season, according to reports on Sunday. The sportscaster has been sidelined from broadcasting for almost four years due to a homophobic slur he made during an MLB game.

The new role comes as a redemption for his broadcasting career.

What did Thom Brennaman say?

Thom Brennaman uttered a homophobic slur on Aug. 19, 2020, during a commercial break of a Fox Sports Ohio broadcast of an MLB doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals. He was caught on a hot mic referring to San Francisco as:

“One of the f** capitals of the world”

This resulted in the sudden collapse of Brennaman’s broadcasting career despite offering an apology for his comment. He was suspended indefinitely by the Cincinnati Reds, whom he had worked for since 2007 and Fox Sports, where he had been since 1994, removed him from their 2020 NFL season announcers’ roster.

“I would like to sincerely apologize for the inappropriate comments I made during last night’s telecast. I made a terrible mistake. To the LGBTQ community, and all people I have hurt or offended, from the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. I respectfully ask for your grace and forgiveness,” Brennaman said in a statement.

CW did research before hiring Thom Brennaman

Before bringing Thom Brennaman on board, CW did research to ensure the move was the right one. The network’s president, Sean Compton, reportedly reached out to a host of people. This included sportscaster Bob Costas, who spoke in Brennaman's favor.

“Neither Thom nor anyone else denies that he had a serious misstep,” Costas said. “A misstep for which some consequence would have been appropriate. But the price he has paid is beyond disproportionate.

“Especially when you consider that he had a fine reputation prior to the incident and took every proper step to make amends subsequent to it. His return to the booth is overdue, and I am sure the audience will be happy to hear his voice again.”

The return of Brennaman to broadcasting comes as a redemption for his career, where he was once a role model for many upcoming talents in the industry. He's been full of appreciation to CW for the opportunity which allows him to redeem himself following the disappointment.

After four years of broadcasting exile, Brennaman gets a rare opportunity at renaissance in the college football world, and this could be a stepping to revving his career on all fronts.