Josh Hader may have been named an All-Star this year, but MLB is forcing him to enroll in “sensitivity training” amid a new controversy.
The 24-year-old Milwaukee Brewers reliever apologized after a series of old racist and homophobic tweets he posted as a teenager re-emerged during Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Nationals Park.
“You know, it was something that happened when I was 17 years old,” said Hader. “As a child, I was immature, and I obviously said some things that were inexcusable. That doesn’t reflect on who I am as a person today, and that’s just what it is.”
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He continued: “Obviously, when you’re a kid, you just tweet what’s on your mind, and you know, that’s what’s on,” he said.
Hader will now be required to partake in MLB programs that promote inclusivity and diversity, the league announced in a statement.
“During last night’s game we became aware of Mr. Hader’s unacceptable social media comments in years past and have since been in communication with the Brewers regarding our shared concerns,” the league announced in a statement on Wednesday. “After the game, Mr. Hader took the necessary step of expressing remorse for his highly offensive and hurtful language, which fails to represent the values of our game and our expectations for all those who are a part of it. The Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Mr. Hader and participation in MLB’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
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Brewers general manager David Stearns also released a statement:
This is the second incident in recent weeks of an MLB figure being reprimanded for making disparaging comments. The Detroit Tigers fired pitching coach Chris Bosio last month for making an insensitive remark to another team employee.
Hader allowed four hits and three runs in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. According to ESPN, he didn’t find out about his resurfaced tweets until after the contest ended. The reliever made his MLB debut with the Brewers in June 2017. No suspension has been announced for Hader as of yet.
The Brewers (55-43) are second in the AL Central, 2.5 games behind the leading Chicago Cubs (55-38). Milwaukee next hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.
Here are what some of Hader’s tweets said:
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