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Reds announcer Thom Brennaman apologizes for using anti-LGBTQ slur on-air, fans say he 'needs to be fired'

Brennaman reportedly used the slur shortly after Fox Sports Ohio came back from a break before to the top of the seventh inning of the first game

Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman found himself in trouble after he used an anti-gay slur when Cincinnati was playing the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, August 19. According to reports, he used the slur shortly after Fox Sports Ohio came back from a break before to the top of the seventh inning of Game 1. It does appear Brennaman didn't realize he was on-air at that time. However, the move cost him as he was slammed on Twitter. 

Earlier, ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted: "Longtime Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman was caught on a hot mic saying “one of the f** capitals of the world.” He is currently announcing the second game of the Reds’ doubleheader against Kansas City." This immediately earned the wrath of people on social media.

Fans were in no mood to forget even though there were a few who just hoped it would pass. "The man's been a professional broadcaster for years. He should know by now what will and won't fly," read one of the tweets.

And there was no room for forgiveness despite the apology. "Yes it's needs to be shown and heard because he needs to be fired NOW!" wrote one of the fans.

There was also a request to stop sharing the video. "Let's stop using the video, we all know what he did, no reason to keep spreading the hateful language."

"Using homophobic slurs isn’t just 'screwing up' ffs. They don’t dont 'accidentally' come out of your mouth. You purposefully say it," commented one of the fans.

According to ESPN, he issued an apology as the fifth inning of the second game ensued. "I made a comment earlier tonight that I guess went out over the air that I am deeply ashamed of," he apologized. "If I have hurt anyone out there, I can't tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart I'm so very, very sorry. I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith.

"I don't know if I'm going to be putting on this headset again. I don't know if it's going to be for the Reds. I don't know if it's going to be for my bosses at Fox," he continued. "I will apologize to the people who sign my paycheck, for the Reds, for Fox Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody that I've offended here tonight." Soon after his confession, he handed over the play duties to Jim Day and left the booth.

"I can't begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am," Brennaman said. "That is not who I am. It never has been. And I'd like to think maybe I could have some people that could back that up. I am very, very sorry and I beg for your forgiveness."

ESPN also added MLB was aware of what happened and they along with Reds didn't respond immediately. As far as Brennaman's career goes, he has called major league games for three decades now and has served Fox Sports for 27 years where he covered baseball and football.

Please note the MEA World Wide (MEAWW) cannot independently verify and does not support the claims made on the Internet. The site does not encourage the usage of expletives and slurs.