Athletics announcer Glen Kuiper received widespread criticism Friday night when he appeared to use a racial slur during Oakland’s 12–8 win against the Royals in Kansas City.
Late Friday night, the Athletics issued a statement following the incident.
"The language used by Glen Kuiper during today’s pregame broadcast is unacceptable," the team wrote. "The Oakland Athletics do not condone such language. We are working to address the situation."
While attempting to make reference to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Kuiper appeared to say a slur rather than the word "Negro.”
The language used by Glen Kuiper during today’s pregame broadcast is unacceptable. The Oakland Athletics do not condone such language. We are working to address the situation.
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) May 6, 2023
Later in the game, Kuiper issued an on-air apology for his remarks.
“A little bit earlier in the show, I said something that didn’t come out quite the way I wanted it to,” Kuiper said. “I just wanted to apologize if it sounded different than I meant it to be said. … I just wanted to apologize for that.”
Kuiper, the younger brother of former major leaguer and Giants announcer Duane Kuiper, has been involved with Oakland broadcasts in some capacity since 2004.