Paul Allen, a veteran Minneapolis sports radio commentator, has apologised and announced he is taking a few days off after suggesting on air that protesters demonstrating against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were being paid. His comments came during a conversation with former Minnesota Vikings player Chad Greenway on his KFAN show on Friday.
The remarks followed protests sparked by the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, by an ICE officer on 7 January. Further protests erupted after border patrol personnel fatally shot another US citizen, Alex Pretti, on Saturday. Tens of thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis on Friday, with many businesses closing in solidarity.
During the broadcast, Allen said: 'In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay?' He pressed on after Greenway ignored the comment, adding 'everyone's catching strays'. The remark drew backlash, with some calling for his resignation. In a pre-recorded statement aired on Monday, Allen described it as 'a misguided attempt at humour' and apologised to those hurt or offended.
Allen, who has hosted the 9-to-Noon show on KFAN since 1998 and called Vikings games since 2002, said the show's purpose is to offer 'an escape from the heavy stuff'. He added: 'We serve you – not the other way around.' KFAN program director Chad Abbott did not comment on whether the time off was voluntary. The Vikings also declined to comment.
The 'paid protesters' conspiracy theory has been used by political allies of President Trump to dismiss large protests against his administration. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Trump administration reportedly removed border patrol official Gregory Bovino from his role as commander at large.
