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Paul Allen’s regret knows no bounds
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Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen is taking a few days off from his popular radio show after issuing a strong apology for comments he made last Friday about “paid protesters.” Allen admitted that the remark was a “misguided attempt at humor,” and it clearly landed poorly with listeners.
Paul Allen’s apology read. “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. And 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 said.
FOX News reports that comments came before the weekend that unfolded in Minnesota, leaving one dead. He was trying to ridicule the protesters against ICE, calling them out for being paid for their protest. “Everybody’s catching strays this week. (Vikings defensive coordinator Brian) Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker (Mayfield), Charlie ‘Biyatch’ caught one out of nowhere. They’re just all over, paid protesters caught one this morning.”
At least he apologized for it and recognized his flaws
Allen even made fun of the fact that they were not ready to back down, despite the weather, “In conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.” Allen’s comments came during a time when even star athletes are strongly criticizing the ICE. The fans are even theorizing that the NFL teams in the Super Bowl have pro-ICE quarterbacks.
Paul did not mince his words at all when he decided to reveal his sentiments about his earlier comments. “My best was lacking Friday and for that I am sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology with you before I do. We thank our friend Paul Charchian for handling ‘Nine to Noon’ today.” He was left shaken due to the shooting that happened during the weekend.
I have to stop watching all this for a little bit. 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…
— Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic) January 24, 2026
“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. Truly. Let’s all pray this stops somehow because it’s awful. And no more cheap one-liners from me.” His solemn exit also reiterated the policy of Nine-to-Noon to stay away from political opinions or their discussion during the show.
KFAN has not revealed if Allen was penalized for his words or not. The famed announcer has been with them since 1998, and has been the Vikings play-by-play announcer since 2002.