Trail Blazers Fired New Broadcaster Braiden Bell
The team terminated the 29-year-old on October 1 after offensive social media posts from his teenage years surfaced.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Basketball
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The Portland Trail Blazers ended their employment of newly hired play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell on his first day with the organization. The decision followed a report by KGW journalist Devon Haskins regarding offensive social media content.
Why it matters
The move underscores the team's strict adherence to organizational and league policies regarding past conduct. The incident highlights how digital history continues to impact professional opportunities for public-facing staff in the organization.
The 29-year-old broadcaster was fired the same day he was hired, based on social media posts made when he was 15 years old. No evidence of similar behavior has surfaced in the years since 2013.
The players
Portland Trail Blazers
The professional basketball team based in Portland that competes in the NBA.
Braiden Bell
A 29-year-old broadcaster who was hired and terminated by the team in a single day.
Devon Haskins
The KGW journalist who discovered and reported the social media posts.
The details
The Portland Trail Blazers confirmed the termination after reviewing social media posts from 2012 and 2013 that were brought to light by KGW reporter Devon Haskins. The organization stated the content violated team and league policies concerning racist, sexist, and harmful language. Bell, now 29, was 15 at the time the posts were originally made.
Timeline
2012-2013: Braiden Bell posted the offensive content on social media.
October 1, 2026: The Portland Trail Blazers fired Braiden Bell.
Beyond the Bridges
This termination follows the established pattern of the Portland Trail Blazers enforcing the NBA's code of conduct and organizational behavioral policies regarding past public comments. It marks a swift departure from traditional hiring processes when digital footprints conflict with team values.
Fans tuning into upcoming broadcasts will see a change in the play-by-play lineup as the team initiates a new search for a broadcaster. The team has not yet announced a timeline for selecting a replacement following the October 1 decision.
The takeaway
The situation serves as a reminder of the permanence of digital history and the expectations placed on those representing local professional sports. Fans should monitor official team communications for updates on upcoming broadcast assignments.
Further reading
For more on the latest team news, visit Basketball.
Live Poll
Should employers hold adults accountable for social media posts they made as teenagers?
