# Portland Trail Blazers announcer hiring controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portland-trail-blazers-announcer-hiring-controversy
> Updated: 2026-10-05T23:20:26.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

The Portland Trail Blazers fired play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell shortly after his hiring following the discovery of racist and misogynistic social media posts from 2012 and 2013. The franchise stated it has “zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments” and noted the posts violated team and league policies.

Bell, who was 29 at the time of his firing, issued an apology stating the comments were written when he was 15 years old and do not reflect his current character. Following his dismissal, Bell formally requested a second chance from the franchise through legal counsel. His lawyer argued that Bell’s past words should not define his life, emphasizing personal growth. The Trail Blazers have not indicated any intention to reverse the decision.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Braiden Bell appeals Portland Trail Blazers firing over teenage posts

Former Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster Braiden Bell is appealing his dismissal, asking the team to reconsider after offensive teenage social media posts resurfaced following his hiring.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/braiden-bell-appeals-portland-trail-blazers-firing-over-teenage-posts

### 2026-10-02: Portland Trail Blazers fire new announcer hours after hiring

The Portland Trail Blazers fired new play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell hours after hiring him due to racist and sexist social media posts he made as a teenager in 2012 and 2013.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portland-trail-blazers-rescind-announcer-hiring-over-past-social-media-posts

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Cite as: Portland Trail Blazers announcer hiring controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portland-trail-blazers-announcer-hiring-controversy