Trail Blazers announcer breaks silence after firing in wake of problematic posts resurfacing

Former Portland Trail Blazers play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell has issued an apology after being fired just hours after his hiring was announced. Bell was dismissed following the resurfacing of racist and misogynistic posts made on his X account in 2012 and 2013, when he was 15 years old. In his statement, Bell expressed deep remorse for the language he used, stating the old posts do not reflect who he is today.

The Portland Trail Blazers stated they have zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments and acknowledged failing to meet their own vetting standards during the hiring process. Bell was initially hired to replace longtime broadcaster Kevin Calabro after previously calling games for the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns' G League affiliate.