Controversial Ex-MLB Announcer Returning in Prominent Broadcast Role

Former Cincinnati Reds and NFL play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman is getting a second chance in the broadcasting field four years after using a homophobic slur on live TV.

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported Sunday The CW has hired Brennaman as its lead announce for nationally televised ACC and Pac-12 football games this fall. He will make his debut with the network on August 31 in a contest between Oregon State and Idaho State.

Brennaman was thankful for the new opportunity.

"There are no words to describe how grateful I am that they're rolling the dice," Brennaman told The Athletic . "They don't have to do this."

Brennaman left the broadcasting world in disgrace after calling Kansas City, "One of the f-- capitals of the world" during a Reds-Kansas City Royals matchup on Aug. 19, 2020. Brennaman said the phrase during a commercial break but his microphone was still on.

A clip of the phrase went viral so quickly, Brennaman apologized during the broadcast of the same game. Brennaman said he was fired "within seven hours."

Technically, he resigned from his role with the Reds. But Fox Sports fired him from its network, where Brennaman called NFL, MLB and college football games.

Since those departures, Brennaman has announced winter baseball games and Ohio high school football contests over the past four years.