Report: Thom Brennaman to Cover Competitions for The CW

Thom Brennaman will return to the broadcast booth this fall, covering national college football games for The CW after a four-year absence, The Athletic reported Sunday. He was fired after using a homophobic slur during the Aug. 19, 2020, broadcast of the Cincinnati Reds-Kansas City Royals game, not realizing his microphone was on when he made the remark as part of the Reds’ broadcast crew. He was fired from the Reds and also fired by Fox Sports, for which he covered MLB, NFL and college football games. “There are no words to describe how grateful I am that they took a chance on me,” Brennaman, 60, told The Athletic. “They don’t have to do this.” He told The Athletic that he reached out to Nexstar Media Group about potential work, not expecting to hear back. But Nexstar, The CW’s parent company, reached out. The network is expanding its sports coverage, adding events such as college football and basketball, as well as LIV Golf and the long-running show “Inside the NFL.” Brennaman has made amends with the gay community in Cincinnati and across the country by listening and learning. Cyd Zeigler, the co-founder of Outsports, said he believes Brennaman deserved a second chance. Outsports focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in sports. “I put my fist in the air and said, ‘Finally!’” Zeigler told The Athletic of his reaction to Brennaman’s hiring. “Somebody gave this man the chance he deserved. I’m so proud of The CW.” The CW investigated Brennaman and interviewed respected professionals, including Bob Costas, about him. “Neither Thom nor anyone else is denying that he made a serious mistake,” Costas told The Athletic. “A misstep for which some consequence would have been appropriate. But the price he paid is far beyond measure, especially considering he had a good reputation before the incident and took all the right steps to make amends. His return to the booth is overdue and I’m sure the audience will be happy to hear his voice again.” Dennis Miller, president of The CW, said he was pleased when his team heard back. “It was clear that he took full responsibility for his actions,” Miller said. Brennaman will debut on the network on Aug. 31, providing play-by-play for the Oregon State vs. Idaho State game. After that, he will primarily be heard on Atlantic Coast Conference coverage. –Field Level Media