Here’s something you don’t hear about very often: Stephen A. Smith saying he’s sorry for comments he made on television.
Smith landed in hot water following his appearance Monday on ESPN’s “First Take” when he made a controversial observation about Los Angeles Angels slugger and ace Shohei Ohtani.
“I understand that baseball is an international sport itself in terms of participation. But when you talk about an audience gravitating toward the tube or to the ballpark to actually watch, you, OK, I don’t think it helps that the number one face is a dude that needs an interpreter so you can understand what the hell he’s saying.”
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Hours later, Smith took to Twitter to walk back his comments, saying “I’m sincerely sorry.”
Let me apologize right now. As I’m watching things unfold, let me say that I never intended to offend ANY COMMUNITY, particularly the Asian Community – and especially SHOHEI Ohtani, himself. As an African-American, keenly aware of the damage stereotyping has done to many in this country, it should’ve elevated my sensitivities even more. Based on my words, I failed in that regard and it’s on me, and me alone! Ohtani is one of the brightest stars in all of sports. He is making a difference, as it pertains to inclusiveness and leadership. I should have embraced that in my comments. Instead, I screwed up. In this day and age, with all the violence being perpetrated against the Asian Community, my comments — albeit unintentional — were clearly insensitive and regrettable. There’s simply no other way to put it. I’m sincerely sorry for any angst I’ve caused with my comments on First Take (Monday). Again, I’m sorry. And I’ll happily reiterate these words more extensively (Tuesday) morning, as well.
Ohtani is the starting pitcher and the leadoff hitter for the American League in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Ohtani, who leads MLB with 33 home runs, lost in the first round of Monday’s Home Run Derby to Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto.
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