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ESPN Personality Stephen A. Smith apologized on Monday after facing backlash for comments he made regarding two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani on ESPN First take earlier the same day.
“Let me apologize right away,” Smith wrote. “As I watch things unfold, let me say that I never intended to offend any community, especially the Asian community – and in particular Shohei Ohtani, himself. ‘African American, very aware of the damage that stereotypes have done to so many people in this country, it should have raised my sensitivity even more. “
While talking about Ohtani, who will make history this week by competing in the Home Run derby, starting and starting on the mound for the American League in the All Star Game, Smith made comments regarding his market value.
Ohtani is Japanese and speaks English, but feels more comfortable with an interpreter. Smith argued that it was hurting Ohtani’s case by being the face of MLB.
“But 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 is going on. ‘he says, fuck it, in this country,’ Smith said.
He went on to say that because Ohtani uses an interpreter, he isn’t talked about as much as an American superstar would.
“If it was Bryce Harper, what would we do? We could talk about baseball five days a week,” Smith said.
After the initial outrage online, Smith fired back and referred to a Illustrated sports article on Ohtani and his performer and the meaning of this role.
“People misinterpret what I’m saying, I’m not talking about the state of the game,” he said. “I’m talking about the marketing and promotion of the sport, that’s exactly what Illustrated sports basically alluded to in their article last month when they talked about 28% of Major League Baseball players being foreign players. “
“If you are a sport that is trying to please the American public like Major League Baseball is, because of the issues you have had to face in terms of improving the attractiveness of the sport, it helps if you speak the English language “said Smith
After posting the video explaining his argument, he continued.
“Amazing that people still don’t know me after all these years” Smith said in a Tweet. “If I’m wrong about something, I’ll apologize. Especially if I’ve unintentionally offended a group of people – because it’s the right thing to do. Period! I’m black. I would know!”
In his written apology, Smith said he would reiterate his regrets Tuesday morning during First take.
“In our time, with all the violence perpetrated against the Asian community, my comments – though unintentional – were clearly callous and regrettable,” Smith wrote. “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.”
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