On May 6, 2023, during a live broadcast of the Oakland A’s vs. New York Yankees game, Oakland A’s announcer Glen Kuiper accidentally used a racial slur while describing a play on the field. The incident immediately sparked outrage on social media, with many fans and viewers calling for Kuiper’s immediate resignation.

In response to the incident, Kuiper issued a public apology, stating that he was deeply sorry for his use of the offensive language and that he never intended to cause harm or offense. He also acknowledged the harm that his words may have caused and promised to take steps to educate himself and work towards being a more inclusive and respectful member of the broadcasting community.

The Oakland A’s organization also released a statement condemning Kuiper’s use of the racial slur, stating that they do not condone any form of hate speech or discrimination and that they are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and respect within their organization and in the broader baseball community.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism and discrimination in sports and serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels of the industry. While Kuiper’s apology is an important step in addressing the harm caused by his words, it is also crucial that he follows through on his promise to educate himself and work towards being a better ally to communities affected by racism and discrimination.

Moving forward, it is important for all members of the sports industry, including broadcasters, players, and teams, to prioritize diversity and inclusion and work towards creating a more equitable and respectful environment for all involved. Only by taking concrete actions to address systemic inequalities and discrimination can we begin to build a more just and inclusive society.