Orioles announcer addresses controversial suspension
Baltimore Orioles television announcer Kevin Brown posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Friday, hours ahead of his highly anticipated return to the broadcast booth.
The MASN broadcaster has been off the air since late July after serving a suspension, allegedly for his comments before the team's series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 23. During the commentary in question, Brown pointed out that the Orioles, at the time, were 0-15-1 in the previous 16 road series at Tropicana Field, which resulted in a 3-18 record from 2020 to 2022.
Brown was stating a fact and there was also a premade graphic on the broadcast that he used to convey the information.
The team swiftly denied that Brown was suspended for his analysis but didn't provide answers for the move either.
In the wake of Brown's sidelining, scores of other media members both defended the announcer and bashed Orioles ownership, specifically CEO John Angelos. Loads of fans also took the broadcaster's side and many showed their support on social media with the hashtag #FreeKevinBrown.
During the seventh inning of Tuesday's home game against the Houston Astros, the television broadcast picked up very clear "free Kevin Brown" chants from the crowd as well.
It was reported on Wednesday that the voice of the O's (who occasionally announces for ESPN as well) would return to work on Friday when Baltimore begins a nine-game road trip in Seattle to take on the red-hot Mariners (winners of seven in a row). The Orioles (71-44) still hold their largest lead of the season atop the AL East (three games ahead of the second-place Tampa Bay Rays) and with the best record in the junior circuit.
Baltimore is just two games behind the Atlanta Braves (72-41) for the top mark in MLB.
More must-reads: