Braiden Bell asks Blazers to reconsider firing over old tweets
OregonLive.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Braiden Bell, initially hired as the Portland Trail Blazers' new play-by-play announcer, was fired within eight hours after the team discovered offensive social media posts he made as a teenager.
- Bell has formally asked the Blazers to reconsider their decision, with his legal counsel emphasizing that he has taken full accountability for his past actions and demonstrated personal growth since then.
- The offensive posts, made in 2012 and 2013, included racist and misogynistic remarks targeting Asians and women, for which Bell has publicly apologized, stating they do not reflect who he is today.
- Bell has proposed engaging in community and educational outreach, particularly with Asian American and Pacific Islander groups and organizations supporting women and girls in sports, as part of his efforts to earn a second chance.
- His counsel argues that the Blazers have an opportunity to exemplify accountability and redemption by reinstating Bell, highlighting the importance of recognizing personal growth beyond past mistakes.
