NBC Sports California made the decision to terminate Glen Kuiper, a long-standing broadcaster for the Oakland Athletics TV, after he used a racial slur on air. The network announced this development following an internal review and expressed their gratitude for Kuiper’s contributions to Bay Area baseball over the years.

During a game between the A’s and the Royals on May 5, Kuiper, who had been the A’s play-by-play announcer for 17 seasons, used the racial slur in a pregame segment where he discussed his visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. He referred to it as the “(N-word) museum” and mentioned Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue.

After the incident, Kuiper has been absent from the airwaves since that day. He issued an apology later in the game, albeit in the sixth inning, without going into specific details. He acknowledged that his words did not come out as intended and expressed deep regret. Following his suspension, he released a statement through the network, expressing his profound apologies and horror for his actions.

The decision to terminate Kuiper’s contract with NBC Sports California was based on a variety of factors uncovered during the internal review, according to a person familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously. However, specific details were not disclosed due to the network’s lack of public disclosure regarding the investigation’s results.

The video of the incident, which contained the offensive term, quickly spread across the internet, gaining significant attention. In response, the Oakland A’s issued a statement later that night, condemning Kuiper’s language as “unacceptable.”

Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, took to Twitter to release his own statement regarding the incident. He acknowledged being aware of the unfortunate racial slur made by Glen Kuiper and revealed that he had welcomed Kuiper to the museum the previous day, witnessing Kuiper’s genuine excitement to be there. Kendrick emphasized that the use of such a word is painful and has no place in society. While he couldn’t fully understand Kuiper’s intentions, Kendrick chose forgiveness and encouraged others to do the same.

It is worth noting that Glen Kuiper is the younger brother of Duane Kuiper, a former major leaguer and Giants announcer, adding a familial connection within the broadcasting world of baseball.