NC State announcer suspended indefinitely for insensitive remark

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

NC State play-by-play announcer suspended indefinitely for insensitive remark during Duke's Mayo Bowl

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/31/22

The radio play-by-play voice for the NC State Wolfpack, Gary Hahn, has found himself in some hot water after making an insensitive remark during the 2022 Duke's Mayo Bowl broadcast on Friday.

While wrapping up the out-of-town scores, Hahn referred to the fans at the Sun Bowl, held in Texas, as being, "amongst the illegal aliens down in El Paso."

Here's what got NCSU announcer Gary Hahn immediately and indefinitely suspended after today's broadcast: pic.twitter.com/4qkyQ1jzT2
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) December 30, 2022

Learfield Communications, who employs Hahn, suspended the announcer indefinitely following the game. Annabelle Myers, associate athletics director for communications at NC State, confirmed the suspension in a statement.

"Learfield has suspended Wolfpack Sports Network play-by-pay announcer Gary Hahn from his agreement indefinitely following comments made during today's Duke's Mayo Bowl radio broadcast."

According to Luke DeCock of the News and Observer, the Sun Bowl canceled its annual fan fest because the convention center where it usually takes place is currently housing migrants awaiting immigration decisions.

Per Hahn's bio on the NC State athletics website, he's been the radio voice of the Wolfpack, calling football and basketball, since the 1990-91 season.

Hahn was named the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year in 2011 and 2020.

It's hard to argue with an indefinite suspension for Hahn, especially considering the current time. It's even harder still to believe Hahn thought his comment was generally acceptable, let alone during the radio broadcast of a bowl game.

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