Reinstatement Calls for Braiden Bell After Firing Over Old Tweets

Former Portland Trail Blazers play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell and his attorney are seeking his reinstatement following his dismissal due to decade-old social media posts. Bell, who is 29 years old, was hired from the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury to succeed Kevin Calabro, becoming the NBA’s youngest lead broadcaster. However, his contract was terminated after tweets he made at age 15 resurfaced online.

In December 2012, Bell tweeted, “I’m not racist at all.. But not gonna lie.. Asian people p— me off! Hahaha #Honest.” In July 2013, he posted, “no blacks either. #racist.” In response to these revelations, Bell has engaged sports employment attorney Arnie Herz to advocate for his reinstatement. Herz has experience representing figures such as San Antonio Spurs broadcaster Jacob Tobey in similar situations.

“Should the worst words a fifteen-year-old ever wrote decide the rest of his life? That is the question now before the Portland Trail Blazers,” Herz stated.

The statement emphasized Bell’s accountability and growth, arguing that his youthful words should not eclipse his achievements since then. Bell has publicly apologized for the posts, acknowledging their harm. He expressed regret that this digital footprint is now many people’s first impression of him and assured his commitment to treating everyone with kindness.

The Portland Trail Blazers fired Bell following these revelations, citing team and league policies for the decision. A statement from the team articulated zero tolerance for comments deemed racist, sexist, or harmful. It upheld a tradition of excellence in broadcast roles, affirming that past and present conduct must align with these standards.

“We believe strongly that everyone who is a part of Rip City should feel welcome and safe, and we will make sure that our new broadcaster reflects these values. We will do better,” the team’s statement read.

While weighing the call for Bell’s reinstatement, the Trail Blazers reiterated their stance to The Athletic, wishing Bell well but standing firm in their original decision.