Grizzlies let go of PA announcer wanted by police for alleged inappropriate photos

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Tuesday they had parted ways with PA announcer Rick Trotter, who is wanted by police.

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Tuesday they no longer employ PA announcer Rick Trotter, who had a warrant issued for his arrest the same day.

The Grizzlies told The Commercial Appeal they let go of Trotter last month, even though his arrest warrant was only issued Tuesday. Police want Trotter, 40, after he allegedly photographed three people without their consent. 

Trotter is accused of taking “upskirt” videos of church members during services at Downtown Church.

Trotter joined the Grizzlies in 2006. He had no prior announcing experience when he joined the franchise. The team discovered Trotter after he sent them a demo CD.

Before accepting the Grizzlies' PA job, Trotter managed a Chick-Fil-A in Atlanta, then moved to Memphis to work with his church, according to the Appeal.

In a statement, Downtown Church condemned Trotter’s actions.

We, the elders of Downtown Church, are deeply saddened to announce that, effective May 27, Rick Trotter was terminated as an employee of Downtown Church. This was the result of deception and moral failures of a sexual nature. As you can imagine, this revelation has been deeply devastating to all of us. We, as elders, have come around his wife and children offering spiritual, emotional and financial support. We will continue to support and encourage them, and we know the Downtown Church family will follow suit. We have responded swiftly as information has emerged, with counsel from trusted professionals. As we move forward in this process, we want the congregation to know we are fully committed to operating with integrity and transparency.

[The Commercial Appeal]