Portland, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers announced Wednesday that they have terminated the employment agreement with Braiden Bell, the broadcaster who was set to become the team’s play‑by‑play announcer. The decision came after KGW reporter Devon Haskins located several tweets from 2012 and 2013 that the outlet described as “racist and misogynist.” Bell was 14 years old when he posted the messages.
Background on the tweets
The tweets, which were posted on a public Twitter account, contain language that many consider offensive. Bell has not publicly responded to the posts, but the Trail Blazers organization said the content violated its standards for on‑air talent. The team did not disclose whether any internal review was conducted before the hire was announced.
Craig Carton’s response
Sports radio host Craig Carton, speaking on the OutKick network, criticized the rapid dismissal. “This kid just got the job of his lifetime,” Carton said. “And the first thing an ‘investigative reporter’ wants to do is see if they can find some dirt on the kid.” While Carton did not excuse the tweets, he emphasized that Bell was a teenager at the time and that many people have posted insensitive remarks in their youth.
“I’m not excusing what he wrote. I understand you finding it offensive, but he didn’t write it as a mature adult,” Carton added. “He wrote it as a 14‑year‑old. Are we really going to make decisions now and not allow people to get jobs because of something they said in high school?”
Cancel‑culture concerns
Carton framed the incident as part of a larger “cancel culture” phenomenon, arguing that the practice of digging up old social‑media posts can ruin a person’s career before they have a chance to demonstrate growth. “The only thing that comes of this is that some poor young man was robbed of his dream job for the (admittedly forgivable) sins he committed as a teenager,” he said.
Carton also offered practical advice for anyone seeking employment in broadcasting or other public‑facing roles: “Before you apply for a job, clean out the Twitter account, clean out the Instagram. Because you don’t even remember the dumb stuff you said and posted when you were a child.”
Team statement
The Trail Blazers released a brief statement confirming the termination but did not elaborate on the internal decision‑making process. The organization reiterated its commitment to “maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity for all on‑air talent.”
Implications for the franchise
With the announcer position now vacant, the Blazers will need to restart their search for a play‑by‑play voice. The team has not indicated a timeline for a new hire, but the episode underscores the growing scrutiny of public figures’ digital footprints.
Public reaction
Fans and commentators on social media expressed a range of opinions. Some praised the team’s swift action, while others echoed Carton’s sentiment that youthful mistakes should not permanently bar individuals from professional opportunities. The debate highlights the tension between accountability and forgiveness in the digital age.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
