Portland Trail Blazers Part Ways With Newly Hired Play-by-Play Broadcaster Braiden Bell

Harlingen Weslaco Brownsville McAllen, TX, October 2, 2026 — The Portland Trail Blazers have parted ways with Braiden Bell, the team’s recently hired television play-by-play broadcaster. The decision to terminate Bell’s contract came shortly after his hiring was publicly announced.

According to reports, the dismissal followed the resurfacing of inappropriate social media posts made by Bell during his teenage years. The specifics of these posts have not been detailed. The timing of the posts’ reappearance, coinciding with his newly announced role with the Trail Blazers, appears to have been a significant factor in the team’s swift action.

Bell was hired to serve as the television play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has not provided further details regarding the exact circumstances or timeline of the termination, nor has it announced any immediate plans for a replacement broadcaster. The duration of Bell’s tenure with the team was brief, extending only from the announcement of his hiring to his subsequent dismissal.

The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny of public figures’ past online activity, particularly in roles that involve significant public visibility. Social media platforms often retain historical content, and posts made years prior can re-emerge and impact current professional standing. The team’s decision reflects a common practice among professional organizations to address controversies arising from past conduct that may conflict with organizational values or public image.

Further information regarding the team’s official statement, Bell’s response, or the process for selecting a new play-by-play broadcaster has not been made publicly available by the Portland Trail Blazers at this time.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.valleycentral.com, see more information here.

Media gallery