Orioles broadcaster apologizes after insulting Toronto Blue Jays fans
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Baltimore Orioles broadcaster Brian Roberts might not be welcomed back in Canada anytime soon.
The Baltimore Orioles broadcaster is apologizing after taking shots at Toronto Blue Jays fans over the weekend.
MASN Orioles broadcaster and two-time MLB All-Star Brian Roberts faced plenty of backlash after questioning the baseball IQ of those in Canada after fans in Rogers Centre booed an attempted pick-off play involving Myles Straw at first base.
During the eighth inning of Friday's game at Rogers Center, Orioles reliever Shawn Dubin made a pickoff throw to first that drew boos from the home crowd, which is common across baseball.
MASN play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown questioned why fans boo such pickoff attempts, which have been limited to two per at-bat under new MLB rules in an attempt to speed up pace of play.
Baltimore Orioles TV broadcast questioned the intelligence of Canadian baseball fans after booing a pickoff attempt
«I've got to be real, real, real careful what I say,» Roberts responded Friday. «But sometimes we had some major questions about the baseball IQ of some Canadians. At times, it felt like maybe they enjoyed or knew a little bit more about hockey than baseball.»
Orioles announcer Brian Roberts apologizes to Canadians over baseball IQ comments
Blue Jays fans and players alike didn't appreciate the comments, including Ernie Clement, who threw a shot right back at the Orioles and their fanbase.
"We get 40,000 a night here. I mean, they probably get 5,000 a night, so it makes sense that you'd be a little salty about that," Ernie Clement quipped after learning of Roberts' remarks.
On Sunday, Roberts, well aware of how poorly his quote was perceived, offered an apology to all baseball fans north of the border.
"I do want to apologize to Toronto fans for something I said on the air the other day," Roberts said. "I definitely never, ever meant to cause anyone to feel like I was disrespecting them at all. I have always enjoyed coming to Toronto, I've always enjoyed playing here I hope they will accept my sincere apology for what I said on air here the other day."
The Blue Jays ultimately had the last laugh, as they were able to defeat the Orioles by an 11-2 final on Sunday to give them the sweep over their divisional opponent.
Source: Baltimore Sun
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 236 ANSWERS Orioles broadcaster apologizes after insulting Toronto Blue Jays fans Do you think Orioles announcer Brian Roberts is being genuine with his apology to Blue Jays fans? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 19.1 % |
| No | 191 | 80.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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