Jeff Passan: Stephen A Smith, ESPN Should ‘Kiss’ Shohei Ohtani

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ESPN baseball analyst Jeff Passan passionately defended two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after offensive comments about Ohtani from First take host Stephen A. Smith.

Smith drew fierce criticism on Monday after he said Ohtani’s use of a performer was damaging his status as the face of baseball. Smith added that while Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper was a two-way street, First take and ESPN would discuss baseball “five days a week.”

“I don’t think it helps that the number one face is a dude who needs a performer so you can understand what he’s saying in this country,” Smith said. “When you talk about an audience that gravitates towards the subway or the stadium to watch you, I don’t think it helps that the number one face is a guy who needs a performer so you can figure out what he says.”

Smith tweeted an apology Monday night. He also commented on Tuesday’s episode of First take.

“In our time, with all the violence perpetrated against the Asian community, my comments – albeit unintentional – were clearly callous and regrettable,” Smith wrote on Monday. “There is just no other way to put it. I am sincerely sorry for all the angst I have caused with my comments on First take this morning.”

Passan responded to Smith’s comments on Tuesday. The ESPN insider noted that the network should “embrace” Ohtani despite the language barrier, adding that responsibility for promoting the game’s top players lies in part with Smith.

“[Ohtani] is the kind of person that this show, who this network, who this country should embrace, “Passan said.” We are not the ones who should be trafficking in ignorance. “

“The truth is, Stephen A., the more you talk about baseball, the more people are going to watch it because they listen and they want to see it on the air.”

Ohtani had no trouble wishing fans on Monday night. He imposed a double overtime in the first round of the Home Run Derby against Juan Soto. He will take the mound at Coors Field on Tuesday while he also leads for the American League. Translator or not, it looks like Ohtani has no problem connecting with baseball fans with his huge homers and rocket right arm.

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