Detroit Tigers television analyst Jack Morris has apologized for mocking Shohei Ohtani’s Accent on Tuesday night’s broadcast of the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers game, ESPN reports.
The game was tied at 2 apiece when Ohtani, who is a pitcher and designated hitter for the Angels, came up to bat.
“Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?” Matt Shepard the play-by-play announcer for the Tigers asked Morris.
“Be very, very careful,” Morris replied mocking Ohtani’s accent.
Morris issued an apology during the 9th inning, The Hill reports.
“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.
The Asian American Journalists Association’s Sports Task Force issued a statement saying they were disappointed with Morris’ comments.
“The Asian American Journalists Association Sports Task Force is disappointed and disturbed by Morris’ attempt to provide analysis on a live broadcast in this manner, especially at a time when Asians in the United States are experiencing a sharp increase in anti-Asian hate, which is resulting in harassment and attacks,” the statement reads.
“In his analysis, would Morris have used an accent for an African American player?” the statement continues. “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.”
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Needs to be fired or fined. This will never end unless punishment hits the wallet.