A’s broadcaster Glen Kuiper suspended after on-air racial slur

Veteran Oakland Athletics play-by-play broadcaster Glen Kuiper was suspended from his post Saturday after apparently using the n-word on live television.

NBC Sports California said in a statement Saturday that Kuiper will remain off the air until a review of what happened during Friday night’s broadcast is completed.

Vince Cotroneo and Johnny Doskow will rotate in as play-by-play announcers during Kuiper’s absence.

The 20-season announcer apologized ahead of the sixth inning of the California team’s game against the Kansas City Royals, telling viewers his wording “didn’t come out quite the way I wanted it to.”

During the pregame coverage, Kuiper and broadcast partner Dallas Braden reflected on their “phenomenal day” in Kansas City in the lead-up to the game.

Kuiper said the duo visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, but appeared to replace the first word with the racially-charged slur.

Shortly after the 12-8 A’s win, the organization released a statement on Twitter condemning the former minor league player’s mistake and promising to address the situation.

Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum who greeted Kuiper and Braden at the institution just hours before the slip-up, condemned the incident in a statement Saturday.

“I’m aware of the unfortunate slur made by Glen Kuiper. I welcomed Glen to the NLBM yesterday and know he was genuinely excited to be here. The word is painful and has no place in our society. And while I don’t pretend to know Glen’s heart I do know that my heart is one of forgiveness. I hope all of you will find it in yourselves to do the same!” Kendrick wrote.

Former A’s pitcher Dave Stewart agreed with Kendrick’s sentiment: “Bob it could not have been said any better. I know Glen, have worked with him over the years. I believe it was an unfortunate mistake. He, as we all deserve a second chance.”

Kuiper has been calling A’s games in the Bay Area for about 20 years. He is the younger brother of former major leaguer and Giants announcer Duane Kuiper.

With Post Wires