The Portland Trail Blazers have done a huge U-turn. Just hours after announcing Braiden Bell as their new play-by-play announcer for the 2026-27 NBA season, the Trail Blazers reversed their decision. The NBA franchise has pulled the plug on its new play-by-play announcer due to inappropriate tweets resurfacing from years agoGettyThis arose after old tweets resurfaced from his teenage years – between 2012 and 2013 – which conveyed racist and other insensitive and harmful material. These tweets were dug up by Portland NBC affiliate KGW reporter Devon Haskins, which forced the hands of the Blazers.“The Portland Trail Blazers have zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments,” the team said.“Social media posts made by our recently announced play-by-play broadcaster are in clear violation of team and league policies, as well as our values and expectations. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with this broadcaster.“The play-by-play role carries a long legacy of excellence, on the broadcast and in character, and we hold that standard without exception,” the Blazers’ statement continued. “We did not meet our own bar in this process, and for that we apologize to Blazers fans and to Rip City. “We strongly believe that everyone who is a part of Rip City should feel welcome and safe and we will make sure that our new broadcaster reflects these values. We will do better.” Bell was set for his big break in the NBA broadcasting world for the Blazers’ Rip City network, replacing long-time announcer Kevin Calabro, who has since moved on to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 29-year-old has spent the past two years working as a play-by-play broadcaster for his alma mater Arizona Sun Devils. He also did work for the Phoenix Suns‘ G League affiliate Valley Suns, and WNBA side Phoenix Mercury. The Trail Blazers are now on the hunt for new play-by-play announcer after rescinding the hiring of BellGettyDamian Lillard has been vocal in wanting Portland to stay put amid rumors of a potential relocation to Kansas CityGettyIn February, he got to call his first game on national broadcaster FS1 in a Top 20 matchup between West Virginia and TCU. Trail Blazers icon speaks outThe Trail Blazers have undergone a huge transition following the purchase of the team by billionaire Tom Dundon, who also holds a majority share in the NHL franchise Carolina Hurricanes, in March. There were talks that Dundon, who purchased the team for an estimated $4.25 billion, was considering moving the team away from the state of Oregon, with Kansas City, over 1,400 miles away, emerging as a potential destination. In an effort to keep the team in Portland, the state of Oregon, Multnomah County, and city of Portland approved the contribution of $586 million to make vital renovations to the Moda Center. Franchise legend Damian Lillard, who will enter Year 12 for the Blazers when the 2026-27 season begins, issued a public plea to keep the team put where it belongs. “I don’t see a world where the Trail Blazers aren’t in Portland,” he said. “I just don’t. “And I do pray that day never comes, even when I’m done. I know how important the Trail Blazers are to this city.”But until a deal is signed, sealed, and delivered, Portland residents will continue to hold their breaths as all options still appear to remain on the table.