Vikings Announcer Under Fire for Controversial Protestor Comments
Minnesota Vikings radio announcer Paul Allen is facing growing demands to step down from his position following inflammatory remarks made during a broadcast on KFAN. The veteran commentator falsely dismissed anti-ICE demonstrators in Minneapolis as 'paid protestors' and made light of their situation with inappropriate jokes.
Broadcast Remarks Spark Immediate Backlash
During a Friday broadcast discussion with retired Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway, Allen posed the question: 'In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay?' He later expanded on this theme while discussing criticism of NFL figures, joking that 'everybody's catching strays this week' before adding specifically: 'Paid protesters caught one this morning.'
These comments were made just before Saturday's fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by US Border Patrol agents. Video evidence from that incident contradicts official claims from the Department of Homeland Security, showing the 37-year-old American citizen being disarmed and restrained before being repeatedly shot in the chest.
Attempted Damage Control and Public Response
Allen appeared to attempt damage control following the controversy, deleting the podcast episode containing his remarks and removing a separate social media post where he had used the phrase 'firing bullets' to describe a colleague's broadcast work. He later explained he deleted the post because he did 'not know at that time about the shooting of a man in MPLS.'
In a subsequent social media statement, Allen struck a more somber tone, writing: 'I'm so sad this terror is happening all around us here in MN. I just prayed to God's will for it to somehow stop and now and started crying.' He concluded with what appeared to be an acknowledgment of his earlier comments: 'And no more cheap one-liners from me.'
Growing Calls for Resignation
The response from listeners and community members has been overwhelmingly critical, with many directly calling for Allen's resignation. One social media user stated bluntly: 'Resign, Paul. Minnesota doesn't want to hear from you ever again.' Another longtime fan expressed disappointment: 'Paul, I've been a fan of yours for decades. You've really disappointed me.'
Particularly pointed criticism came from those who noted that legendary Vikings defensive tackle and retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page had been seen participating in protests. Several questioned whether Allen considered the 80-year-old NFL and civil rights icon to be a 'paid protester' as well.
Broader Context of Political Rhetoric
Allen's comments echo language used by former President Donald Trump and members of his administration, who have repeatedly and baselessly dismissed Minnesota demonstrators as 'paid protestors.' Homeland Security officials under that administration went further, labeling shooting victim Renee Good a 'domestic terrorist' despite video evidence contradicting their claims about the circumstances of her death.
White House advisor Stephen Miller similarly made unfounded claims about Alex Pretti, describing him as a 'domestic terrorist' who had 'tried to assassinate federal law enforcement' without providing evidence to support these assertions.
Sports Community Response to Tragedy
The broader sports community has responded to the ongoing situation in Minneapolis with varying approaches. The NBA postponed a Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Golden State Warriors to 'prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.'
However, the NHL faced criticism for proceeding with Saturday's Wild-Florida Panthers game in St. Paul. Several fans branded the decision 'spineless,' with one commenting that there was 'nothing more on brand for the NHL' than continuing 'as if nothing is amiss' during community trauma.
The 60-year-old Allen has served as the play-by-play voice for the Vikings since 2002, establishing himself as a familiar presence for Minnesota football fans. He also maintains a separate career calling horse races, though his future with the Vikings organization now appears uncertain amid the growing controversy.
