Suspended Reds broadcaster Brennaman resigns

Five weeks after Thom Brennaman was suspended for use of gay slur during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast on Fox Sports Ohio, he has resigned from this position, according to a report Friday by WCPO in Cincinnati.

“My family and I have decided that I am going to step away from my role as the television voice of the Cincinnati Reds,” Brennaman wrote to WCPO. “I would like to thank the Reds, Reds fans and the LGBTQ Community for the incredible support and grace they have shown my family and me.

“I have been in this profession that I love for 33 years. It is my hope and intention to return. And if I’m given that opportunity, I will be a better broadcaster and a much better person.”

» EARLIER COVERAGE: What we know about Brennaman situation

Brennaman, the longtime television voice of the Reds on Fox Sports Ohio, made the comment when he thought he wasn’t on the air during the first game of a doubleheader Aug. 19 in Kansas City. He apologized during the second game.

“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 say how much I say from the bottom of my heart I am 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. I’m going to apologize for the people who sign my paycheck, for the Reds, for Fox Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody I’ve offended her tonight. I can’t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am.

“That is not who I am and never has been, and I’d like to think I have some people that can back that up. I am very very sorry, and I beg for your forgiveness. Jim Day will take you the rest of the way home.”

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