Detroit Tigers TV analyst Jack Morris has been suspended indefinitely by Bally Sports Detroit after he used an accent when describing what the Tigers should do when pitching. Shohei ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels.
Bally Sports Detroit said in a statement Wednesday that it was “extremely disappointed” with Morris’s comments and that the former major league pitcher will undergo bias training “to educate him on the impact of his comments and how he can be an influence. positive in a diverse community. “
“We have a zero tolerance policy for prejudice or discrimination and we deeply apologize for your insensitive comment,” the TV network said.
The Tigers said in a statement they were “deeply disappointed” with Morris’s comments.
“We fully support Bally Sports Detroit’s decision and its ongoing commitment to ensuring that all personnel adhere to the highest standards of personal conduct,” the team said.
Morris apologized for his comments later on Tuesday night’s broadcast, saying before the ninth inning that “I didn’t mean to do anything offensive and I apologize if I did. I certainly respect and have the utmost respect for this guy. And don’t blame a pitcher for walking you. “
Morris made his earlier comment in the top of the sixth inning when Ohtani, who is from Japan, was in turn to hit with the game between the Tigers and Angels tied at 2. Bally Sports Detroit announcer Matt Shepard asked , “Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?”
Morris said with an accent, “Be very, very careful.” Then Ohtani was intentionally walked.
Morris, 66, a five-time All-Star who pitched 14 seasons with the Tigers, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. He is in his second regular season on Tigers television broadcasts. having returned in 2019.
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