Baseball Announcer Suspended Indefinitely After Using Accent As Japanese Player Was Up To Bat
Jack Morris, a television broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers, used an accent while discussing how to pitch to Japanese batter Shohei Ohtani, and has now been banned indefinitely by Bally Sports Detroit.
During the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, Tigers game announcer Matt Shepard asked Morris, “Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?”
“Be very, very careful,” Morris said with an accent.
ICYMI – here’s what Jack Morris said about Shohei Ohtani during the #Tigers broadcast, and his 9th inning apology.
pic.twitter.com/x4odYHPC2g— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) August 18, 2021
Morris apologized live on-air as Ohtani approached the bat in the ninth inning.
“It’s been brought to my attention, and I sincerely apologize if I offended anybody, especially anybody in the Asian community, for what I said about pitching and being careful to Shohei Ohtani,” Morris said. “I did not intend for any offensive thing and I apologize if I did. I certainly respect and have the utmost respect for this guy.”
Bally Sports Detroit issued a statement stating it was “extremely disappointed” by Morris’ comments and that he had been suspended indefinitely.
“Bally Sports Detroit is extremely disappointed with the remarks analyst Jack Morris made during last night’s Tigers game. Jack has been suspended indefinitely from the Tigers broadcasts and will be undergoing bias training to educate him on the impact of his comments and how he can be a positive influence in a diverse community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination and deeply apologize for the insensitive remark.”
The Tigers issued their own statement in favor of Morris’ suspension.
“The Detroit Tigers take immense pride in honoring the diverse cultures that make up our players, coaching staff, front office, fan base and community. We are deeply disappointed by the comments made by Jack Morris during the broadcast last night. We fully support Bally Sports Detroit’s decision and their on-going commitment to ensure that all personnel are held to the highest standards of personal conduct.”
Jack Morris has been “suspended indefinitely from Tigers broadcasts and will be undergoing bias training,” Bally Sports Detroit says.
Statements from the team and network: pic.twitter.com/m3tFgJbgbd
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 18, 2021
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