The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Thursday that they have dismissed Braiden Bell, a 29‑year‑old broadcaster who was hired only hours earlier to serve as the team’s lead television play‑by‑play announcer. Bell, who came to Portland from the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was set to become the youngest primary broadcaster in the NBA.
Social‑media posts spark immediate termination
Local station KGW uncovered a series of tweets Bell posted between 2012 and 2014, when he was a teenager. In a December 2012 tweet, the then‑15‑year‑old wrote, “I’m not racist at all.. But not gonna lie.. Asian people piss me off! Hahaha #Honest.” A later tweet from July 2013 read, “no blacks either. #racist.” Additional posts appeared to contain disparaging remarks about women.
Following the discovery, Blazers executives acted quickly, issuing an official statement that the organization has “zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments” and that Bell’s posts were in clear violation of team and league policies, as well as the franchise’s values. The statement added, “We did not meet our own bar in this process, and for that we apologize to Blazers fans and to Rip City. We believe strongly that everyone who is a part of Rip City should feel welcome and safe and we will make sure that our new broadcaster reflects these values. We will do better.”
Community reaction and criticism of the decision
Social‑media users were swift to comment on the rapid reversal. Some argued that Bell’s career may have been unfairly ruined for remarks made as a minor, asking whether a teenager’s words should define an adult’s professional future. Others accused the franchise of “virtue signaling” and capitulating to online outrage.
“Did he post something stupid as a stupid kid? Or do we really believe those posts as a child reflect who he is as an adult?” one commenter wrote. Another user suggested the team was “destroying his career over it” and questioned whether the public truly cares about past teenage mistakes.
Team’s stance on accountability and future hiring
The Blazers emphasized that the decision aligns with their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for fans, players, and staff. By acting promptly, the organization signaled that it will not tolerate conduct—past or present—that undermines the safety and respect of its community.
While the franchise has not yet named a replacement for the play‑by‑play role, the incident underscores the growing scrutiny of public figures’ historic social‑media activity. Teams across professional sports are increasingly vetting candidates for past statements that could conflict with organizational values and fan expectations.
What this means for the Trail Blazers and their fans
Portland’s basketball fans will now await the appointment of a new lead announcer who can uphold the team’s standards of professionalism and respect. The swift action taken by the Blazers may also serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring broadcasters and other public‑facing employees about the lasting impact of online behavior.
As the franchise moves forward, it has pledged to continue prioritizing a welcoming atmosphere at the arena and on the airwaves, reinforcing its dedication to the diverse community that supports the Trail Blazers.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
