Oakland Athletics broadcaster Glen Kuiper is out of a job after dropping the N-word live on-air.
The shocking slur was dropped during a May 5th pre-game show before the A’s took on the Kansas City Royals. Kuiper was in the middle of discussing his “phenomenal” visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. However, instead of saying “Negro,” he used the word “N****r” when stating the name of the museum.
“We had a phenomenal day. N****r league museum. And Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque,” he stated.
Following almost immediate backlash, Kuiper apologized hours later during the game. He explained his words “didn’t come out quite the way I wanted it to.” The following day, he addressed the matter once more, telling viewers he “could not be more sorry and horrified” by his words. However, the damage was already done. NBC Sports California immediately began investigating the matter. This initially led to his suspension. On Monday, the network announced that Kuiper would not be returning. The A’s called Kuiper’s use of the slur “unacceptable.”
Shortly after Kuiper’s comments, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick released a statement. He explained that when meeting Kuiper at the museum, he knew the broadcaster was happy to be there but admitted the use of the word was harmful.
“The word is painful and has no place in our society. And while I don’t pretend to know Glen’s heart, I do know that my heart is one of forgiveness. I hope all of all you find it in yourselves to do the same!” Kendrick wrote in his May 6th statement.
My Official Statement on the Glen Kuiper incident is below. pic.twitter.com/txAmPH9ulI
— Bob Kendrick (@nlbmprez) May 6, 2023
Kuiper has not spoken out publicly regarding his termination.
