MLB Broadcaster Glen Kuiper Returns to Airwaves After Racial Slur Incident

Kuiper will call Giants spring training games and fill in for 10-15 regular season broadcasts.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Nearly three years after appearing to say a racial slur during a broadcast, former Oakland A's announcer Glen Kuiper will return to the radio booth when the Giants play Team USA during spring training on March 3. Kuiper, the younger brother of San Francisco's longtime play-by-play announcer Duane Kuiper, will also fill in for 10-15 Giants broadcasts during the regular season.

Why it matters

The incident in 2023 led to Kuiper's suspension and eventual firing by NBC Sports California. His return to the airwaves raises questions about accountability, redemption, and how sports organizations handle high-profile incidents involving on-air talent.

The details

The incident occurred during the pregame coverage of an A's-Royals game on May 5, 2023. Kuiper, along with broadcast partner Dallas Braden, discussed their visit to Kansas City's Negro League Museum, which Kuiper appeared to trip over and use the N-word instead. Kuiper apologized during the broadcast, but was suspended and later fired by NBC Sports California.

  • The incident occurred on May 5, 2023.
  • Kuiper will return to the airwaves on March 3, 2026 to call a Giants spring training game.
  • Kuiper will fill in for 10-15 Giants regular season broadcasts in 2026.

The players

Glen Kuiper

A former play-by-play announcer for the Oakland A's who was fired in 2023 after appearing to use a racial slur during a broadcast.

Duane Kuiper

Glen Kuiper's older brother and the longtime play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants.

Dallas Braden

Kuiper's broadcast partner who was with him during the incident that led to his firing.

NBC Sports California

The network that employed Kuiper and fired him after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“A little bit earlier in the show, I said something, didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to and I just wanted to apologize if it sounded different than I meant it to be said. I just wanted to apologize for that.”

— Glen Kuiper (During the broadcast)

“Following an internal review, the decision has been made for NBC Sports California to end its relationship with Glen Kuiper, effective immediately. We thank Glen for his dedication to Bay Area baseball over the years.”

— NBC Sports California (Statement at the time of Kuiper's firing)

“I have a hard time understanding how one mistake in a 20-year broadcasting career is cause for termination and that racism is in no way a part of me.”

— Glen Kuiper (Statement after his firing)

What’s next

The Giants will evaluate Kuiper's performance during the spring training game and regular season fill-in broadcasts to determine if he will be brought on in a more permanent role for the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Kuiper's return to the airwaves after a high-profile incident involving a racial slur highlights the complexities of accountability and redemption in sports media. While his actions were widely condemned, his supporters argue that one mistake should not define a 20-year career. This case will likely serve as a test case for how sports organizations handle similar situations going forward.