Reds broadcaster resigns amid suspension following anti-gay slur

Suspended Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman resigned from his position after uttering an anti-gay slur during a live broadcast in mid-August.

"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 said in a statement obtained by Evan Millward of 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."

He added: "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."

Brennaman, who was unaware his mic was hot when he uttered the slur, had been with the Reds since 2006 prior to the incident.

"The Reds respect Thom Brennaman’s decision to step away from the broadcast booth and applaud his heartfelt efforts of reconciliation with the LGBTQ+ community," Reds CEO Bob Castellini announced Friday in a statement. "The Brennaman family has been an intrinsic part of the Reds history for nearly 50 years. We sincerely thank Thom for bringing the excitement of Reds baseball to millions of fans during his years in the booth."

Brennaman, 57, was participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion training before deciding to resign.