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Glen Kuiper has been announcing Oakland A’s games for about two decades.
One would think he has built up enough goodwill with the fans and the team that an accident would be forgiven.
Kuiper got tongue-tied trying to tell fans about a recent visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and it cost him his job.
Just a Fluke
During a pre-game segment on May 5, Kuiper was telling fans about the visit, when he dropped the N-word by mistake instead of saying Negro.
He immediately apologized for the error…
Broadcaster Glen Kuiper opened the top of the sixth with an apology for something that he said earlier in the broadcast. No idea what that might have been. #Athletics #RootedInOakland pic.twitter.com/EnAkn7oSaR
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) May 6, 2023
He also made a statement afterward, saying, “When the subject of the museum visit came up in the pregame show, I was excited and eager to share what I had done and seen that day.
“In my excitement, I rushed through the word ‘negro’ resulting in my very unfortunate mispronunciation.
“I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by this.
“It was a terrible but honest mispronunciation, and I take full responsibility.
“Racism is in no way a part of me” Kuiper continued, stating that he prides himself to be an “honest, caring, kind, honorable, respectful husband and father” that would “never utter a disparaging word about anybody.”
The A’s were in damage control at that point…
The language used by Glen Kuiper during today’s pregame broadcast is unacceptable. The Oakland Athletics do not condone such language. We are working to address the situation.
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) May 6, 2023
Not long after that, he was terminated, “Following an internal review, the decision has been made for NBC Sports California to end its relationship with Glen Kuiper, effective immediately.
“We thank Glen for his dedication to Bay Area baseball over the years.”
This came after Bob Kendrick, the president of the museum who had taken Kuiper on the tour, took up for Kuiper.
Before the termination, he stated, “I’m aware of the unfortunate slur made by Glen Kuiper.
“I welcomed Glen to the NLBM yesterday and know he was genuinely excited to be here.
“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 you will find it in yourselves to do the same!”
Kuiper was rightfully livid after being terminated…
Glen Kuiper's statement:
"I wish the Oakland A's and NBC Sports would have taken into consideration my 20-year-career, my solid reputation, integrity, and character, but in this current environment traits like integrity and character are no longer considered."#Athletics pic.twitter.com/yOBoLWPaWk
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) May 23, 2023
I don’t blame Kuiper for being angry and bitter one bit, but that is the world we live in today.
Source: Post Millennial
