Trail Blazers hire temporary TV voice after Braiden Bell tweet controversy

The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly resolved their television broadcast debacle — for now — after firing play-by-play voice Braiden Bell for past tweets that included misogynistic and racist remarks about women and Asians.

Travis Demers, the Blazers’ radio play-by-play voice for the last seven seasons, will take over television duties on a trial basis, according to OregonLive, which citied league and team sources.

Demers will call games on a game-by-game basis alongside feature color analyst Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam.

Former Portland Trail Blazers television play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell. X/braidenbell

Demers, who previously filled in on the TV broadcast, reportedly impressed decision-makers when he called Portland’s preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors last week.

The Blazers reportedly are keeping their options open as they assess their television broadcast.

Deni Avdija (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against Charles Bassey (28) of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a preseason game at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Getty Images

The shakeup comes after 29-year-old Bell was hired and fired in the same day due to resurfaced posts made as a teenager.

Bell reportedly beat out 10 different candidates, such as veteran play-by-play voice Kyle Draper, for the job, in part because the team felt he was a “rising star.”

The Portland Trail Blazers released a statement after their newly hired television play-by-play voice was fired due to old tweets. Trail Blazers/X

The Blazers reportedly considered replacing Bell with Draper, and instead decided to go with Demers on a trial basis.

Demers has called games for the Hillsboro Hops and University of Portland as well as hosting radio programs for SiriusXM College Sports Nation and NBC Sports Northwest.

Kevin Calabro looks on during Round 1, Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs between the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Monday, April 18, 2022. NBAE via Getty Images

The Blazers also lost legendary television play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Calabro this offseason after 10 years.

Calabro wanted to return to Portland in a part-time role and decided to leave in July after receiving what he deemed a “subprime” contract offer from the Blazers and new owner Tom Dundon, The Oregonian previously reported.

Calabro reportedly was hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a limited role in September.

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