Fired Broadcaster Braiden Bell Seeks Second Chance After Racist, Misogynistic Posts Resurface

Braiden Bell, who was fired by the Portland Trail Blazers after offensive social media posts resurfaced, is now requesting a second chance from the NBA team.

Bell, 29, was hired by the Trail Blazers last Thursday but was dismissed hours later when misogynistic and racist posts he shared as a teenager came to light. The NBA franchise issued a statement announcing Bell's termination shortly after the posts were discovered by KGW in Portland.

In a statement released by his legal counsel, Arnie Herz, Bell asked the Trail Blazers to consider whether "the worst words a fifteen-year-old ever wrote decide the rest of his life." Herz stated that Bell has acknowledged his past words without making excuses, asking instead if a teenager's past statements should outweigh an adult's subsequent actions. "Accountability means owning what you did and showing who you have become. Braiden has done both," the statement read.

The Trail Blazers, however, appear to be standing by their decision. The team reiterated their initial statement, saying they have "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 organization's values. The franchise acknowledged they "did not meet our own bar in this process" and apologized to fans, vowing to ensure their broadcasters reflect the values of inclusivity and safety.

The controversial posts were shared in 2012 and 2013, when Bell was reportedly 15 years old. One post from December 2012 stated, "I'm not racist at all.. But not gonna lie.. Asian people p*** me off! Hahaha #honest." Another from November 2012 targeted women with, "Gotta give a shoutout to all the big girls out there and those closet whores." Further posts in February 2013 included phrases like "We got a slut alert on aisle 10" and "Girls these nights... Smh. #ThirstyForTheD."

Bell had been hired to replace Kevin Calabro, the Trail Blazers' play-by-play voice since 2016, who departed for the Minnesota Timberwolves after reportedly being offered a "subprime" contract. By the end of 2015, Bell's social media activity had shifted to focus almost entirely on sports.

Bell issued an apology last Friday via X (formerly Twitter), stating, "These tweets, while wrong, were written by me 14 years ago while I was only 15 years old and have no reflection of who I am today." He expressed regret for the harm caused and stated that those who know him understand his character, promising to continue treating people with kindness and respect.