Blazers Fire Play-by-Play Announcer Hours After Hiring

The Portland Trail Blazers organization dismissed play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell on Friday, October 2, 2026, just hours after hiring him. The team cited Bell's violations of league and team policies against racist, sexist, and harmful comments stemming from social media posts.

The swift termination followed the team's announcement of Bell's hiring. The Blazers stated their vetting process did not meet their own standards, despite Bell's resume including experience with Arizona State, California Baptist, the Phoenix Mercury, and the NBA G League. In a statement, the team expressed zero tolerance for discriminatory remarks and apologized to its fanbase.

The incident highlights the importance of thorough background checks for individuals representing professional sports organizations. With preseason games underway and the regular season starting October 20, the Blazers face pressure to quickly find a replacement broadcaster. The organization indicated it will prioritize a more rigorous hiring process moving forward.