Jack Morris, former Twins pitcher and the star of the famous Game 7 victory in the 1991 World Series has been suspended and apologized for an offensive comment he made during Tuesday’s Tiger game against the Los Angeles Angels. Morris is a TV analyst for the Tigers, something he has also done for the Twins.
During the sixth inning, in reference to Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani, Morris spoke in a tone that mocks English-speaking Asians.
While Ohtani was at bat, Tigers announcer Matt Shepard asked, “Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?” to which Morris replied, with an accent: “Be very, very careful.”
Morris's apology came toward the end of the game -- in the 9th inning:
“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,” Morris said. “Shohei Ohtani - 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 the pitcher for walking him,” he added.
Wednesday afternoon the Tigers announced Morris would be suspended indefinitely and have to undergo bias training.
The Asian American Journalists Association's Sports Task Force has issued a statement, calling Morris' apology "insensitive and ignorant,” saying it referenced only the words he chose but not the stereotypical, racist accent he used.
Morris famously pitched 10 innings in that Game 7 World Series in 1991. He joined WCCO's Steve Thomson on Saturday to talk about the team's celebration of that championship.
"It's gone by in a hurry," Morris said. "We're going to get together and see each other, some guys look the same, some guys stayed in great shape, some of us haven't. It's been like yesterday for us."
Morris is a St. Paul, MN native, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
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