Report: Thom Brennaman to call games for The CW

Thom Brennaman will return to the broadcast booth this fall, calling nationally televised college football games for The CW after four years out of the business, The Athletic reported Sunday.

He was fired after he uttered a homophobic slur during the broadcast of the Aug. 19, 2020, game between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals. He didn't realize his microphone was live when he made the comment as part of the Reds broadcast crew. Dismissed from the Reds job, he also was fired by Fox Sports, for whom he called MLB, NFL and college football games.

"There are no words to describe how grateful I am that they're rolling the dice," Brennaman, 60, told The Athletic. "They don't have to do this."

He told The Athletic that he contacted Nexstar Media Group about potential work, not expecting to hear back. But Nexstar, the parent company of The CW, reached out.

The network is expanding its sports coverage, adding events such as college football and basketball, as well as LIV Golf and the long-running show "Inside the NFL."

Brennaman has been making amends with the gay community in Cincinnati and across the nation, listening and learning.

Cyd Zeigler, the co-founder of Outsports, said he believes Brennaman deserved a second chance. Outsports focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in sports.

"I pumped my fist in the air and said, ‘Finally!'" Zeigler told The Athletic about his reaction to Brennaman's hiring. "Somebody gave this guy a chance that he deserved. I'm so proud of The CW."

The CW looked into Brennaman and asked respected professionals about him, including Bob Costas.

"Neither Thom nor anyone else denies that he had a serious misstep," Costas told The Athletic. "A misstep for which some consequence would have been appropriate. But the price he has paid is beyond disproportionate. Especially when you consider that he had a fine reputation prior to the incident, and took every proper step to make amends subsequent to it. His return to the booth is overdue and I am sure the audience will be happy to hear his voice again."

Dennis Miller, president of The CW, said he was satisfied by when he team heard.

"It became clear that he has taken full responsibility for his actions," Miller said.

Brennaman will debut on the network on Aug. 31, providing the play-by-play for the Oregon State vs. Idaho State game. After that, he predominantly will be heard on coverage of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

--Field Level Media