Home · Sports · Oct 2 archive
Trail Blazers Fire New Announcer Over Past Social Media Posts
Confirmed
In Short: According to KGW reporter Devon Haskins, Bell had posted several misogynistic and racist tweets in 2012 and 2013, when he was a teenager. Haskins reached out to the Blazers for comment after discovering the tweets.
According to KGW reporter Devon Haskins, Bell had posted several misogynistic and racist tweets in 2012 and 2013, when he was a teenager. Haskins reached out to the Blazers for comment after discovering the tweets.
In a statement posted to Instagram and X, the Trail Blazers said, 'The Portland Trail Blazers have zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments.' The team added, 'We did not meet our own bar in this process, and for that we apologize to Blazers fans and to Rip City.
Bell, 29, had previously worked as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Phoenix Mercury and the G-League's Valley Sun. His hiring was part of the team's overhaul of its television operation under new owner Tom Dundon.
The Trail Blazers open their season at home against the Phoenix Suns on October 18, leaving them with an unexpected vacancy for a play-by-play announcer.
The team's decision to fire Bell came after a local KGW reporter uncovered the tweets, leading to the Blazers rescinding their contract offer.
Bell's social media accounts are now private, and the team still needs to find a replacement for Calabro.
The sudden dismissal highlights the scrutiny and consequences that can arise from past social media posts, even years after they were made.
What's confirmed
- We did not meet our own bar in this process, and for that we apologize to Blazers fans and to Rip City.
What's still developing
- Since first getting published as a student by the Kansas City Star in 2013, Megan Armstrong has gone wherever curiosity and stories have taken her, specializing in sports, media, music, and culture coverage.
- Therefore, we will not be moving forward with this broadcaster.” — Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 2, 2026 “The play-by-play role carries a long legacy of excellence, on the broadcast and in character, and we hold that standard without exception.
- In light of Bell’s firing, the Trail Blazers still need a play-by-play announcer to replace Kevin Calabro, who shined in the role for nine seasons.
- Those credentials initially made him an attractive candidate for the role.
- Braiden Bell’s stint as the new face of the Portland Trail Blazers’ television broadcast lasted about eight hours.
- In a stunning turn of events, the team abruptly fired its new play-by-play commentator only hours after announcing the hire.