“My family and I have decided that I will step away from my role as the TV voice for the Cincinnati Reds,” Brennaman said in a statement to WCPO.
He wrote: “I would like to thank the Reds, the Reds fans, and the LGBTQ community for the wonderful support and grace they have provided me and my family.”
“One of the foreign capitals of the world” is Brennaman being heard saying on Fox Sports in Ohio last month.
The comment came after a commercial break during a double-match between the Reds and the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Missouri.
It is not known what triggered that remark and the context behind it.
Brenneman went on to say that he is grateful for the tolerance that people, especially those in the LGBTQ community, have offered him and he hoped to return to the profession one day. “If I had this opportunity, I would be a better broadcaster and a much better person,” he said.
It was suspended last month from broadcasting on Reds and issued the following statement at the time.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for the inappropriate comments I made during the TV broadcast last night. I made a huge mistake. For the LGBTQ community, and all the people I have hurt or offended, from the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. I respectfully request your mercy and forgiveness.”
The Reds also apologized after the incident to “the LGBTQ + community in Cincinnati, Kansas City, throughout this country, and beyond.”
According to a statement by Bob Castellini, Reds CEO, “The Reds respects Tom Brenneman’s decision to move away from the broadcast booth and commends his sincere efforts at reconciliation with the LGBTQ + community.”
Castellini thanked Brennaman for “bringing the excitement of the Reds’ baseball to millions of fans” and hailed him as “a great talent and good man who will forever be a part of the Reds family.” Brennaman has been with the Cincinnati Reds since 2006. He is the son of former Cincinnati Reds radio broadcaster Marty Brennaman.
CNN contacted a Brennaman spokesperson, who had no further comment.
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