Another Oklahoma Announcer Making Inappropriate Comments On-Air

Another incident of announcers making inappropriate commentary on high school sports broadcasts has surfaced over the weekend. Unfortunately, this is far from the only time this has happened.

Rose Hill and McPherson vs Toby Moore

During a soccer matchup over the weekend between Rose Hill and McPherson high schools, announcer Toby Moore was recorded making inappropriate comments about the girls' performance on the field. At the time, Moore did not know the mic was hot and recording everything he said.

According to awfulannouncing.com, "during halftime, a parent at the game captured the announcer speaking to an unidentified person in the press box." Contrary to Moore's comment that "this conversation never happened," the livestream in fact proved otherwise.

Moore proceeded to criticize the players, the coaches and unabashedly comment on the "soccer moms" who seem to make these "ugly" games a little more worth watching. We can agree with Moore about one thing: "actions have consequences."

"Actions Have Consequences"

Since the video's surfacing, Moore has been prohibited from covering any events under his previous employer, 810 Varsity Productions, or KSHSAA events in the future. He has since released a public apology, saying that his remarks were "tasteless, stupid, and inexcusable," he said.

"Those comments did not reflect the tremendous season and hard work both sides had during the year. Thank you to KSHSAA and NFHS for allowing me the privilege to call games on their network. I sincerely and deeply apologize for my tasteless and hurtful remarks and ask forgiveness from those that were hurt by my words.”

- Toby Moore

 

Not The First Time, Oklahoma

Moore is not the only announcer from Oklahoma making remarks meant to only be heard in the press rooms. Another notable incident happened with well-known basketball announcer, Matt Rowan, who previously made racist remarks during a livestream in 2021 towards the Norman Tigers.

Sometimes, announcers are brazen enough to make wrongful comments right over the microphone. In an incident in the Oklahoma City area, an announcer was recorded calling the names of an opposing high school team "disgusting." At least during this occasion, the consequences were quick, with the administration replacing him at halftime during the same game. But, were the consquences strong enough?

We're also including all sports announcers, not just for high schools. In 2023, an announcer for the Oklahoma City Thunder made the career-ending mistake of making a racial comment about Russell Westbrook's performance on the court.

@midwesthoops Thunder announcer got fired after he said this😬 #russellwestbrook #oklahomacitythunder ♬ original sound - Midwest Hoops

What Needs To Be Done?

Although we realize not every announcer is guilty of being caught making these comments, it's not that they need to be better about not getting caught; people with beliefs like these shouldn't have the power of public influence.

Should Oklahoma high school administration have better vetting procedures before hiring broadcasting companies? Should parents and personel have a say in who announces these games? How should commentators caught making inappropriate remarks be reprimanded? Tell us your thoughts through our app.

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