Vikings Radio Voice Paul Allen Apologizes, Takes Time Away After On-Air Comments Amid Local Tragedy
Longtime Minnesota Vikings radio announcer Paul Allen is stepping away from his show temporarily after making controversial on-air remarks that struck a nerve in the wake of a tragic shooting in Minneapolis.
During a Friday broadcast on KFAN, Allen made what he later described as a misguided attempt at humor, dismissing anti-ICE protestors as “paid protestors” and joking about demonstrators “catching strays”-comments that came just one day before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents.
The timing couldn’t have been worse, and Allen acknowledged as much in a public apology issued Monday.
“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.
“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 emphasized that his weekday show, Nine-to-Noon, has always aimed to be a sports-centric escape-a place for fans to talk football, crack jokes, and take a breather from the heaviness of the world. But on Friday, that balance was lost.
“Nine-to-Noon doesn't formulate political opinions. 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.”
“My best was lacking Friday and for that I'm sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology with you before I do.”
Allen’s comments were met with swift criticism, especially in light of recent events in the Twin Cities. Earlier this month, Renee Good, a local woman, was also shot and killed-adding to the emotional weight felt across the community.
Adding to the scrutiny, Allen deleted a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Saturday in which he used the phrase “firing bullets” to describe Big Ten Network basketball analyst Parker Fox’s performance during Hockey Day Minnesota. Allen later explained he was unaware at the time of another shooting that had occurred in Minneapolis.
“I did not know at that time about the shooting of a man in MPLS,” he said in a follow-up.
In a more emotional message posted later, Allen expressed sorrow over the violence in Minnesota and called for unity and healing.
“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.”
“And no more cheap one-liners from me,” he added, appearing to reference his earlier comments.
Allen has been a fixture in Minnesota sports media for over two decades. He’s been the voice of the Vikings since 2002 and is also known for calling horse races. His passionate, often emotional play-by-play style has made him a beloved figure among many fans.
But this moment has clearly struck a chord-both with listeners and with Allen himself. Some fans took to social media to express disappointment, with a few even calling for his resignation. Others noted their longtime support but didn’t shy away from saying they felt let down.
This is a rare public stumble for a broadcaster who’s built a career on being the voice of Minnesota football. And while Allen has made it clear he’s stepping back to reflect, the situation underscores just how sensitive the intersection of sports, public commentary, and real-world tragedy can be.
For now, Allen’s mic will stay silent. Whether or not he returns to the booth with renewed perspective remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in moments like this, words matter-and so does accountability.