by
Jack Morris
Detroit Tigers announcer Jack Morris, a Hall of Fame pitcher, is been suspended from the Tigers broadcasts indefinitely for a racially insensitive remark about Japanese-born superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels.
"Bally Sports Detroit is extremely disappointed with the remarks analyst Jack Morris made during last night's Tigers game," the company said in a statement Wednesday. "Jack has been suspended indefinitely from Tigers broadcasts and will be undergoing bias training to educate him on the impact of his comments and how he can be a positive influence in a diverse community.
"We have a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination and deeply apologize for his insensitive remark."
Morris, 66, stepped into a pile of trouble during a Tuesday night Tigers broadast from Comerica Park.
Shohei Ohtani
When play-by-play man Matt Shepard asked Morris, “Now what do you do with Shoehei Ohtani?” as he came to bat, Morris replied that this phenomenal performer should be pitched “very, very careful.”
Except it sounded liked “Berri, berri, care-fuw,” a mock Japanese accent, Deadline Detroit columnist Joe Lapointe writes. This was in the sixth inning of an 8-2 Angels’ victory at Comerica Park.
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In the ninth inning, realizing he was in trouble, he said on the air:
“I sincerely apologize if I offended anybody, especially anybody in the Asian community... I did not intend for any offensive thing and I apologize if I did.”
The Tigers also issued a statement:
"The Detroit Tigers take immense pride in honoring the diverse cultures that make up our players, coaching staff, front office, fan base and community. We are deeply disappointed by the comments made by Jack Morris during the broadcast last night. We fully support Bally Sports Detroit's decision and their on-going commitment to ensure that all personnel are held to the highest standards of personal conduct."
The fact he's going to undergo sensitivety training suggests Bally is not ready to cut him loose.
The Tigers' last game this season is Oct. 3.
Related:
Lapointe: Detroit Tigers Analyst Jack Morris Should Be Penalized, but Not Banished, for Racist Joke
