Paul Allen, the play-by-play voice for the Minnesota Vikings and a sports radio host on KFAN in the Twin Cities, apologized Monday for what he called an “insensitive” joke suggesting that protesters in the area were mercenaries.
He delivered his mea culpa in a recorded message during his radio time slot, noting that he was also taking a break from work.
“Good morning,” he said. “I made a comment on air Friday about protesters and the weather that was insensitive and poorly timed, and I’m sorry. It was a misguided attempt at humor, and while it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and whole-heartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it.”
Before a large demonstration in frigid temps Friday against the Trump administration’s deployment of federal officers, Allen said: “In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.”
Former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway, who was also on the program, wisely commented, “Probably not gonna touch that one.”
“Everyone’s catching strays this week,” Allen continued. “… Paid protesters caught one this morning.”
The comments, which echoed right-wing conspiracy theories, prompted backlash and even a boycott thread on Reddit.
The day after Allen’s dig, another protester, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by federal officers under dubious circumstances.
“Nine-to-noon doesn’t formulate political opinions,” Allen continued in his taped statement. “We don’t bash or praise political discussions, or even focus on political issues. This time slot always has been a sports-centered space built to entertain, a place where we chat about sports, offer an escape from the heavy stuff and give listeners the distraction they need from everything else going on.
“As I’ve stated many times before, we serve you, not the other way around. We’re very fortunate and thank you for counting on us as long as you have. It means more than you’ll ever know. My best was lacking Friday, and for that, I am sorry. I’m taking a few days off. I wanted to express these thoughts, and my sincere apology with you, before I do.”
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Allen had earlier expressed his sorrow on X over the “terror … happening all around us here in MN” while promising “no more cheap one-liners from me” ― but without a direct apology.
HuffPost reached out to KFAN for comment but did not immediately hear back.
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