After a week-long absence from his regular daily morning radio show, Minnesota Vikings announcer Paul Allen returned to his program on KFXN-FM 100.3 following backlash over his comments about Minneapolis ICE protestors.
On Friday, January 23, Thousands of protestors participated in a demonstration in downtown Minneapolis in response to the recent killing of Renee Good and the ongoing ICE operations in Minnesota.
Allen made a flippant comment during his radio show that morning, asking, “Do paid protesters get hazard pay,” regarding the frigid temperatures that day.
However, the comment was received as a question on the motivations of thousands of Minnesotans who have opposed the ongoing presence and chaos that have followed the deployment of 3,000 ICE agents in the state since mid-December.
“Everyone’s catching strays this week,” Allen added, noting social media criticism that week involving Baker Mayfield and former NFL QB Charlie Batch. “They’re just all over. Protesters caught one this morning.”
Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal officers the next morning.
The comment led fans to call for his resignation over social media that weekend. Allen announced in a pre-recorded message before his show on Monday, January 26, that he would take “a few days off.”
Allen’s hiatus ended on Monday, February 2, when he returned to his daily morning show. The station has not responded to media inquiries about the incident, nor whether Allen was suspended or on paid leave.
In response to the incident, a team source told the Pioneer Press that “Allen will keep his job with the Vikings as it relates to Vikings games and coverage.’ “
“Everyone’s catching strays this week,” he said, citing social media criticism of that week of Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield and former NFL QB Charlie Batch. “They’re just all over. Protesters caught one this morning.”
Voice of Vikings Paul Allen Apologizes for Mocking ICE Protestors
Before Allen announced his hiatus from the radio waves, he issued the following apology:
Good morning. 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 met 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. 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.
Vikings GM Firing Leaves Organization in Flux
Last Friday, the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons with the team.
The decision has led to an outpour of internal details that led to Adofo-Mensah’s release and the lackadaisical decision-making in the building.
Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski will take over during a critical part of the offseason for a Vikings franchise that must solve its quarterback dilemma either by trade or free agency and find talented players in the draft.
Vikings Announce Final Decision on Paul Allen After Fan Backlash