The Portland Trail Blazers have made their position on Braiden Bell abundantly clear: there will be no second chance. After abruptly firing their newly hired play-by-play announcer just hours after his hiring was announced, Portland has rejected Bell’s request for reconsideration and reinstatement. That has effectively closed the door on a potential reconciliation. Bell, through attorney Arnie Herz, apologized for offensive, racist, and misogynistic tweets that resurfaced from 2012 and 2013. That's when he was around 15 years old, arguing that the posts do not represent the person he has become.
The Blazers, however, remain unmoved.
“We stand by our statement issued last week and have no further comment at this time,” the team said. “We wish Mr. Bell the best.”
Article Continues BelowThe terse response reinforces Portland’s zero-tolerance stance on harmful language. It also signals that the organization has no interest in reopening the controversy. Bell’s camp had pushed for accountability, growth, and a conversation about teenage mistakes. The Blazers, though, appear ready to move forward without him.
Meanwhile, Portland is entering a crucial stretch of preparation for the 2026–27 NBA season. The Trail Blazers are wrapping up training camp before opening their preseason against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Moda Center. Head coach Micah Nori is installing his offensive system while working on backcourt chemistry between Damian Lillard and newly acquired superstar Ja Morant. Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday are also receiving important developmental reps. With Shaedon Sharpe rehabbing a torn meniscus, the preseason will provide valuable opportunities for Deni Avdija and Jeremy Sochan on the wing, while Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III anchor the interior.