Athletics broadcaster Glen Kuiper has reportedly been suspended indefinitely after using a racial slur on-air while talking about visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, per an NBC Sports spokesperson.
Kuiper, who has been the primary voice for the Athletics since 2006, was doing a pre-game segment at Kauffman Stadium with Dallas Braden when the slip-up occurred.
"We had a phenomenal day today," Kuiper said on the broadcast. "(N-word) League Museum. And Arthur Bryant's BBQ."
The Athletics denounced Kuiper's comments later on Friday night.
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
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Kuiper, for his part, apologized in the sixth inning of the game.
"A little bit earlier in the show, I said something, didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to," Kuiper said. "I just wanted to apologize if it sounded different than I meant it to be said. I just wanted to apologize for that."
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum head Bob Kendrick issued a statement on Kuiper's phrasing.
"I'm aware of the unfortunate slur made by Glen Kuiper," Kendrick said in the statement. "I welcomed Glen to 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 know my heart is one of forgiveness. I hope all of you will find it in yourselves to do the same!"
According to the NBC Sports spokesperson, Kuiper will be off the air until an investigation into the incident has concluded.
