08-04-2025
Everyone deserves a second chance, but Thom Brennaman still has work to do
"There but for the grace of God, go I."
I thought about those words while sitting at my computer to type this column about Thom Brennaman's recent hiring by 700 WLW, almost five years after he used a homophobic slur on air as the broadcast voice of the Cincinnati Reds. The phrase is meant to express sympathy for others in difficult situations, acknowledging that we, too, could find ourselves in dire circumstances without the benefit of God's grace and mercy. In other words, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
As a man of faith, I'm hard-pressed to argue that Brennaman shouldn't get another shot. He's paid a heavy price since his hot mic moment and has repeatedly apologized. Whether Brennaman is truly repentant and a different man than the one who called a certain unnamed city the "f-- capital of the world" remains to be seen. Redemption is not a destination, it's a journey.
Some remain skeptical, particularly in the LGBTQ community. Brennaman reached out and met with various LGBTQ leaders in Cincinnati in the wake of his suspension and subsequent firing by the Reds and Fox Sports. He said, at the time, that he wanted to better understand how hurtful his words were to LGBTQ persons.
It might not be long before Brennaman's newfound LGBTQ sensitivities are tested on WLW, a right-wing chatterbox not exactly known as being a bastion of gay rights. Let's not forget this is the same radio station that gave host Bill Cunningham a pass after homophobic comments were made on his show during an interview with then-West Virginia University basketball coach Bob Huggins in 2023. The two had a good laugh about an incident in which "rubber penises" were thrown on the court during a Crosstown Shootout game between UC and Xavier. Cunningham joked about the game being "transgender night." Never mind, Huggins later called Xavier fans "Catholic f--s." Neither Cunningham nor the station's management assumed responsibility for the cringeworthy affair.
Those are the shark-infested waters Brennaman now finds himself swimming in. It'll be interesting to see how his show develops and if this self-described "Trump-supporting Republican" can avoid getting bitten again while talking third-rail politics with that crowd.
Brennaman's politics are his politics, but it's reasonable to wonder how he might reconcile his attempts to make amends with the LGBTQ community with his support of President Donald Trump, whose all-out assault on gay and transgendered people has been unrelenting. Then again, maybe Brennaman sees his own comeback story in Trump, a man notorious for saying and doing disgraceful things who was given a second chance by 77 million Americans.
Second chances are funny like that. Whether someone deserves one or not is a complex question with no universal answer. The markets of public opinion and the business world often determine who gets second chances. In Brennaman's case, the two are entwined.
You don't get a second chance in the broadcasting business unless people think you have an appeal that warrants it. In all likelihood, WLW weighed the benefits of Brennaman's name (he's Marty's kid, for God's sake), he's got built-in popularity in the Queen City, and he is a pretty darn good broadcaster (homophobic slurs aside). That made it worth the station's while.
Editorial: Brennaman should be fired; our role is to forgive
Plus, it's a low-risk hire for WLW. Anyone that outraged by Brennaman's employment probably isn't a regular listener anyway. And WLW can always say anyone who complains too much is "woke."
There are some things you can't come back from professionally. Brennaman's homophobic slur doesn't appear to be one of them. People make mistakes. They say stupid things. None of us should be defined by our most embarrassing moments. Forgiveness is something we are called to do. If you believe Brennaman deserves a second chance, then remember to extend that same courtesy the next time someone you might like a little less, without as prominent of a name, messes up.
Letter: Radio station's decision to hire broadcaster who used homophobic slur is tone-deaf
Brennaman has said he is hungry to earn the listeners' trust. I think he's learned a costly lesson and recognizes that another slip-up would likely be his last. I, indeed, hope that Brennaman is who he claims to be and that he better understands the power and privilege of the platform he's been granted again. He could be an example to others of how to turn your worst moment into a force for good and positive change.
Right now, all we can do is wait and see − and listen.
Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@ On X: @kevaldrid
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Radio host's return post-homophobic slur tests growth, grace | Opinion
