Story at a glance
- Detroit Tigers announcer Jack Morris is facing criticism after appearing to mock the accent of Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
- Fellow commentator Matt Shepard asked Morris how the Angels should approach the all-star.
- “Be very, very, careful,” Morris responded with an accent.
Detroit Tigers announcer Jack Morris is facing criticism after appearing to use an Asian accent during one of Los Angeles Angels star pitcher and slugger Shohei Ohtani’s plate appearances.
Fellow commentator Matt Shepard asked Morris how the Angels should approach the all-star, in the Tigers eventual 8-2 loss Tuesday night.
“Be very, very, careful,” Morris responded in a seemingly faux accent.
Jack Morris apologies before Shohei Otani’s at-bat in the ninth inning. pic.twitter.com/WdCjfyfSvX
— Spencer Wheelock (@SpencerWheelock) August 18, 2021
The 66-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher apologized during Ohtani’s next plate appearance.
“Well folks, Shohei Ohtani is coming to the plate and 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 and don’t blame a pitcher for walking him,” he concluded.
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Ohtani is 7-1 on the mound this season, while holding a .269 batting average with 39 home runs.
The Asian American Journalists Association Sports Task Force said in a statement they are “disappointed and disturbed” by Morris’ on air analysis, especially at a time when incidents targeting Asians are on the rise in the U.S.
“In his analysis, would Morris have used an accent for an African American player? A Hispanic or Latin player? An Irish or Italian player? Morris, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, should be held to a higher standard while serving a regional and national audience,” the statement read.
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