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Shohei Ohtani is unbothered and tuning out the outrage that was created online by Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Morris.
Morris came under fire earlier this week after speaking in a mock Asian accent before the Los Angeles Angels star stepped up to the plate in a game against the Detroit Tigers. Morris spoke in an accent while saying the Tigers should “be very, very careful” when pitching to Ohtani.
While social media was upset by Morris, Ohtani said he was “not offended” and didn’t take anything personally. Ohtani also complimented Morris’s career.
“I did see the footage and I heard it,” Ohtani told reporters through an interpreter, via The Athletic. “Personally, I’m not offended and I didn’t take anything personally … He is a Hall of Famer. He has a big influence in the baseball world. It’s kind of a tough spot.”
Jack Morris apologies before Shohei Otani's at-bat in the ninth inning. pic.twitter.com/WdCjfyfSvX
— Spencer Wheelock (@SpencerWheelock) August 18, 2021
Morris, however, was suspended indefinitely by Bally Sports Detroit and will now undergo “bias training.”
After his comments began making the rounds on social media, Morris issued an apology while still on the broadcast.
“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 to Shohei Ohtani,” Morris said.
When Morris will be given the greenlight to return to the booth remains to be seen.
