Longtime NFL Announcer Steps Away Following Controversial Comments

He’s decided to get off the mic for some time.

Longtime NFL announcer Paul Allen is stepping away from his show after sparking backlash with some highly controversial comments.

Allen, an announcer for the Minnesota Vikings, made light of the tension in the area amid protests over the recent shooting. He joked that protestors in Minnesota might be paid more to be out there in the cold.

His comments were a reference to conspiracy theories suggesting that large corporations and organizations secretly fund protests.

“In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay?” he asked on ‘The Paul Allen Show’ on Friday, per Awful Announcing.

“Everybody’s catching strays this week,” he added. “[Brian] Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker [Mayfield], Charlie ‘Biyatch’ caught one out of nowhere. They’re just all over, paid protesters caught one this morning.”

The joke sparked widespread criticism, given the seriousness of the issues at hand.

The NBA pushed a game back after another federal shooting incident took place on Saturday. So no one is taking this lightly.

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Paul Allen Admits His Best Was Lacking

Paul Allen (Photo via X)
Allen has since apologized.

“I made a comment on-air Friday about protesters and the weather that was insensitive and poorly timed and I’m sorry,” he said. “It was a misguided attempt at humor and while it was never meant with any ill-intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it. Nine-to-noon doesn’t formulate political opinions. We don’t bash or praise political discussions or even focus on political issues.”

He has also announced he will be taking time off from his show.

“My best was lacking Friday, and for that I am sorry,” he remarked.“I am taking a few days off, wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology with you before I do.”

It’s unclear when he will return.

Meanwhile, it appears KFAN contributor Paul Charchian will take his place. Per Awful Announcing, Charchian hosted the rest of the show on Monday morning.