Paul Allen is taking some time off following claims about ‘paid protestors’

Vikings Announcer Takes Time Off Following Controversial Remarks

Paul Allen, the Vikings’ play-by-play announcer, was absent from his show on KFAN radio on Monday and announced he would be taking a few days off. This decision followed his remarks regarding “paid protesters” who stood in the snow during a winter storm, amid President Trump’s immigration policies in Minnesota.

During a commercial break before his regular show, KFAN aired an apology voiced by Allen, where he questioned whether these “paid protesters” receive “hazard pay.” Allen later expressed regret over his remarks during his Friday broadcast.

“I apologize for the insensitive and ill-timed comments I made on air Friday about protests in the weather,” he stated on Monday. “It was a misguided attempt at humor.”

In an opening statement during his show, Allen reiterated his apology: “On Friday, I made an insensitive and ill-timed comment about protesters and the weather. I’m sorry. It was a misguided attempt at humor… I’m taking a few days off,” he said.

He added that while his comments were not intended to be mean-spirited or politically charged, he sincerely apologized to those who were genuinely hurt or offended.

Allen clarified the nature of his show, emphasizing that it doesn’t engage in political discussions. “This time slot has always been a sports-centric space created for entertainment, a place to chat about sports, provide an escape from hard work, and give listeners a much-needed distraction,” he explained.

“As I have said many times, we are here to serve you, not the other way around,” Allen continued. “My best was not as good as Friday and I’m sorry for that. I’ll be taking a few days off, but before the break, I wanted to share my thoughts and sincere apologies with you.”

Allen thanked Paul Churchian for officiating a recent event he participated in.

KFAN did not disclose whether any disciplinary action would be taken against Allen following this incident.

His comments were made during a Friday show alongside former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and beat reporter Alec Lewis, as they discussed claims about trees being at risk due to severe winter weather hitting Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Wisconsin.

On that day, over 10,000 residents marched in downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal immigration crackdown, braving frigid temperatures.

In a follow-up on X, Allen conveyed his heartbreak over the situation, stating he was “saddened” by the events unfolding in Minnesota and promised to refrain from making flippant remarks regarding the issue in the future.