Trail Blazers fire play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell over social media posts
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 4:47 AM
Last updated Oct 2, 2026
The Portland Trail Blazers announced the firing of Braiden Bell as their new television play-by-play announcer less than a day after his hiring was reported. Concerns arose due to resurfaced social media posts made by Bell containing misogynistic and racist remarks from a decade ago. In an official statement, the team emphasized its zero tolerance for harmful comments that violate team and league policies. The Blazers expressed regret regarding their hiring process and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for fans and players. The team has yet to name a replacement for the role, previously held by Kevin Calabro, who left following contract discussions in July.
- •Braiden Bell fired after less than 24 hours as announcer.
- •Social media posts from 2012-2013 raised concerns.
- •Trail Blazers state zero tolerance for harmful remarks.
- •Kevin Calabro previously held the announcer position.
- •Blazers must find a new broadcaster to replace Bell.
- 4:47 AMYahoo Sports — Trail Blazers fire Braiden Bell in less than a day over resurfaced social media posts
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Trail Blazers set to announce new play-by-play voice Braiden Bell
"On Thursday, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and Oregon Live reported that the Portland Trail Blazers planned to hire Braiden Bell as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer. By Thursday night, the Trail Blazers announced that Bell, formerly a broadcaster for the Phoenix Mercury, would not be moving forward in the role after concerning, years-old social…
"The Portland Trail Blazers have found their new play-by-play man. According to a report from Joe Freeman at The Oregonian, Braiden Bell will be the voice of the team on local television broadcasts, working alongside analyst Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam. Bell, 29, graduated from Arizona State in 2019, and quickly starting calling…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 2, 2026, 4:47 AMTrail Blazers fire Braiden Bell in less than a day over resurfaced social media posts
On Thursday, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and Oregon Live reported that the Portland Trail Blazers planned to hire Braiden Bell as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer. By Thursday night, the Trail Blazers announced that Bell, formerly a broadcaster for the Phoenix Mercury, would not be moving forward in the role after concerning, years-old social…
- Yahoo SportsOct 1, 2026, 10:30 PMTrail Blazers set to announce new play-by-play voice Braiden Bell
The Portland Trail Blazers have found their new play-by-play man. According to a report from Joe Freeman at The Oregonian, Braiden Bell will be the voice of the team on local television broadcasts, working alongside analyst Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam. Bell, 29, graduated from Arizona State in 2019, and quickly starting calling…
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