Vikings Broadcaster Paul Allen Issues Apology, Steps Away After Controversial On-Air Comments
Minnesota Vikings radio voice Paul Allen is stepping away from his KFAN show temporarily after making controversial remarks about anti-ICE protestors during a Friday broadcast. The longtime play-by-play announcer issued a public apology Monday, acknowledging that his comments-intended as humor-were poorly timed and insensitive, especially in light of recent tragic events in Minneapolis.
Allen, who's been a familiar voice to Vikings fans since 2002, sparked backlash when he referred to demonstrators as "paid protestors" and made a quip about protestors "catching strays"-a phrase that took on a much darker tone just a day later when ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents. Earlier this month, Renee Good, another local woman, was also shot and killed, adding to the emotional weight of Allen’s comments.
In his on-air statement, Allen didn’t shy away from accountability.
“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,” Allen said.
He emphasized that his show, Nine to Noon, is built around sports and entertainment-not politics-and that the goal has always been to offer a light-hearted escape for listeners.
“While it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it,” Allen continued. “My best was lacking Friday and for that I'm sorry.”
He added that he’ll be taking a few days off but wanted to personally issue an apology before stepping away.
The fallout didn’t stop with the radio segment. Over the weekend, Allen also deleted a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he used the phrase “firing bullets” to describe Big Ten Network analyst Parker Fox’s performance during an interview on Hockey Day Minnesota. Allen later explained that he was unaware at the time of a fatal shooting that had occurred in Minneapolis and removed the post out of respect.
In a follow-up message on X, Allen expressed sorrow over the violence in the community and called for unity and healing.
“I have to stop watching all this for a little bit,” he wrote. “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. I truly am sorry for all hurting like me through this, and I just want us to be a Love Covenant again.”
He concluded the post by acknowledging his missteps: “And no more cheap one-liners from me.”
The response online has been swift and emotional. While some fans expressed disappointment, others called for Allen’s resignation outright. For many, it was a jarring moment from a broadcaster they’ve trusted for decades to bring passion and energy to Vikings football and beyond.
Allen, 60, has been a fixture in Minnesota sports for more than two decades, known not only for his work with the Vikings but also as a horse racing announcer. His voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
Now, as he steps back from the mic, the focus turns to how he-and the community-moves forward.