Thom Brennaman has been suspended from commentary duties by baseball's Cincinnati Reds after using a homophobic slur on air - but not before he called a home run during his televised apology.
Brennaman was overheard on the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast using the term, "One of the f*g capitals of the world," during his duties, without it being immediately clear to where, or whom, he was referring. It came as the broadcast resumed after a commercial break during a double-header between the Reds and the Kansas City Royals.
Video of Brenneman's remarks soon made it to social media, where #FireThom began trending - leading to the MLB side issuing an statement, saying that the "organization is devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark."
Furthermore, Brenneman was "pulled off the air, and effective immediately was suspended from doing Reds broadcasts," according to the team's statement.
Later in the game when returning from a commercial break, Brenneman attempted to make an apology before he was pulled off the air.
"I made a comment earlier tonight that I guess went out over the air that I am deeply ashamed of," Brennaman said. "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."
However, Brenneman was forced to adjust mid-apology to call a home run - before continuing, saying that he expects his career to be in jeopardy as a result of his actions.
"I don't know if I'm going to be putting on this headset again," Brennaman said. "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.
"That is not who I am and never has been, and I'd like to think maybe I could have some people that can back that up. I am very, very sorry and I beg for your forgiveness."
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