In the wake of weekend backlash over suggesting that protesters in Minnesota are being paid, KFAN sports radio host and play-by-play voice of the Vikings Paul Allen did not appear on his scheduled show Monday.
Before guest host Paul Charchian began the nine-to-noon slot on KFXN-FM 100.3, the station played a pre-recorded statement from Allen, who said he was “taking a few days off.”
“Good morning,” the message began. “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 made with any political intent or political affront, I absolutely and whole-heartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely hurt or offended by it.
A message to KFAN program director Chad Abbott was not immediately returned.
Before thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis in frigid temperatures on Friday, Allen — speaking with former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and radio producer Eric Nordquist — said, “In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.”
After Greenway declined to engage, Allen continued.
“Everyone’s catching strays this week,” he said, citing NFL quarterback social media criticism of Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield and former NFL QB Charlie Batch. “They’re just all over. Protesters caught one this morning.”
The Vikings declined to comment on Sunday, and show producer Eric Nordquist didn’t return a message.
Protests have been a daily occurrence in Minnesota since federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived en masse in mid-December in a campaign the Department of Homeland Security is calling “Operation Metro Surge.”
On Friday, hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed their doors and a crowd estimated to be around 15,000 marched from Commons Park at the edge of downtown Minneapolis to Target Center, where it held a rally to demand ICE leave Minnesota.
In his statement, Allen said, “Nine-to-noon doesn’t formulate political opinions. We don’t bash or praise political discussions, or even focus on political issues. Our time slot has always 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.
“I have 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 sorry, and for that, I am sorry. I’m taking a few days off. I wanted to express these thoughts, and my sincere apology, before I do.”
Allen later posted a Gospel verse on his x.com account.
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