In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Reds navigates through a turbulent trio. FC Cincinnati holds their first match at Nippert Stadium in nearly a year. Plus, recapping a busy week for local high school sports.

First, the Cincinnati Reds faced a trio of issues last week. The issue that grabbed the most headlines was in the broadcasting booth. With Thom Brennaman in the midst of an indefinite suspension. After making a homophobic slur that went out live on the Reds MLB.TV feed. During the first game of a doubleheader in Kansas City last Wednesday.

Brennaman apologized for the slur and left the booth during the second game. Nevertheless, his broadcasting career is dangling in a state of uncertainty. It’s unclear if Brennaman will call a Reds game ever again. At the very least, it’s unclear whether he’ll call another Reds game this season. Last Thursday, Fox Sports announced Brennaman won’t be calling NFL games. Brennaman has been calling NFL games for FOX since 1994. When the network began broadcasting NFL games.

Brennaman’s slur was made during Cincinnati’s first game since August 14th. After a positive COVID-19 test disrupted their schedule. The second in the trio of issues the Reds dealt with last week. That positive test prompted the postponements of three Reds games. Two games against Pittsburgh Pirates and one against the Kansas City Royals. No additional positive tests have been reported since August 15th.

Cincinnati’s third issue is their continuing struggles on the field. The Reds are 11-15 going into today; losing four of their last six games. Splitting their Royals doubleheader and losing three out of four against the St.Louis Cardinals. The Reds are still struggling at the plate; being overly dependent on the long ball. Cincinnati batters have hit 40 home runs so far this season. Ranking third in the National League in that category. Despite that, Cincinnati’s .207 batting average is Major League Baseball’s worst.

Eight Reds have a batting average currently under .200. Their 167 hits are the second lowest team total in the N.L. and MLB. Meanwhile, the Reds’ bullpen continues to struggle. Turning a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth last Thursday into a 5-4 loss. While giving up three of St.Louis’ six runs on Sunday in the seventh inning.

Elsewhere in the Cincinnati sports world, FC Cincinnati had their 2020 home debut last week. In a match that wrapped up with a 0-0 draw against D.C. United. The Cincinnati Bengals had their first full contact practices last week. Wide Receiver John Ross returned after missing time to care for his son. Ross’ son and the child’s mother were recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Renell Wren was placed on the reserve/injured list. The Bengals also cut running back Rodney Anderson after a failed physical.

Regionally, there will be no in-person spectators at this year’s Kentucky Derby. The latest change in plans for September 5th’s “Run for the Roses.” This past weekend was a busy one sports-wise in the Hoosier State. Takuma Sato won his second Indianapolis 500 title on Sunday. The race taking place at a spectator-less Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Roughly three months after the race’s originally scheduled date. Meanwhile, Indiana’s fall high school sports season began last week.

Indiana’s fall kickoff was part of a busy week for local high school sports. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine approved the OHSAA’s plan to start fall contact sports on time. Some sports are already in action and football’s regular season starts this upcoming weekend. In Kentucky, the KHSAA announced plans to stick with their delayed start date for fall sports. They are planning to start their fall competitions during the week of September 7th.