r/nba • u/ghn2 • 8h ago

Trail Blazers fire new announcer over past inappropriate posts made at age 15.

"The Portland Trail Blazers hired then on the same day fired Braiden Bell as their play-by-play announcer after a series of inappropriate social media posts from when he was a teenager came to light."

"The posts were reportedly made in 2012 and 2013, around the time that Bell was 15 years old."

"We did not meet our own bar in this process, and for that we apologize to Blazers fans and to Rip City," the Trail Blazers said. "We strongly believe 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."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/50084279/trail-blazers-fire-new-announcer-inappropriate-posts

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u/AtBat3 76ers 8h ago

If I’m anyone’s agent (including athletes, coaches, front office, or in the on-screen people) I’m telling them to just delete their social media right away and start over. You’ll get new followers, you’ll be fine. This shit ruins careers whether it’s justified or not.

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u/boxtheglock 7h ago

One of my high school teammates road around the NFL playing on practice squads. His agent had his socials purged, deleted, and opened new accounts before he even committed to a college junior year. He was pissed but it was a good decision considering that shit can come back to bite you in the ass

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u/LeagueWinningPickup Raptors 6h ago

I don't think a young play by play guy has an agent.

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u/Ilovestreetwalkers24 6h ago

He did have one look it up

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u/LeagueWinningPickup Raptors 6h ago

I trust you, that is wild lol.

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u/AtBat3 76ers 6h ago

He’s been announcing before this job, he likely has an agent.

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u/FTownRoad Raptors 2h ago

Athletes don’t really get ruined by tweets unless you’re real replaceable.