MLB Network analyst Alanna Rizzo apologizes for vulgar rant against Fox Sports reporter
MLB Network analyst Alanna Rizzo apologized publicly Friday to Fox Sports reporter Jake Mintz and to the Baseball Writers' Association of America after directing a vulgar rant toward Mintz during an episode of "High Heat" on Thursday.
"I want to give a very heartfelt apology to Jake Mintz and the entire BBWAA," Rizzo said on "High Heat."
"What I said yesterday about Jake was completely inappropriate. It was inaccurate and it was beyond unprofessional. I was caught up in the moment."
Mintz was inside the Braves' clubhouse when he heard Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia taunting Phillies slugger Bryce Harper after Atlanta’s Game 2 victory, repeatedly saying, “Ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper!”
After Mintz reported the incident, Braves announcers went on the offensive, defending Arcia and his actions, with catcher Travis d’Arnaud saying that the clubhouse is "a sanctuary" and the incident makes players not want to talk to the media.
During Thursday's episode of "High Heat," Rizzo called Mintz a "jackoff," accusing him of reporting the clubhouse incident for clout.
When reporters are allowed in a clubhouse it is not a “sacred space.” Miss me with this ridiculous bs https://t.co/fjIwiqvFM5
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 12, 2023
"And then some jackoff comes in at the end of the season that gets a credential, God only knows why. And the clubhouse is a sacred space," Rizzo said. "And remember, I’ve been in clubhouses for the last 16, 17 years. I remember I would go in there, get my job done and get out. That is their space. So for this idiot to go in there and take something out of context just to give himself a name is ridiculous.”
Rizzo's comments got a swift response from baseball writers across the country, pushing back on Rizzo saying the clubhouse is "sacred." The Baseball Writers' Association of America defended Mintz, writing in a statement that he is in good standing with the organization.
"To assert otherwise, in vulgar terms, is both unprofessional and unacceptable," the BBWAA said. "The BBWAA is deeply troubled that the league's own network would permit the disparaging of one of our members in this fashion. Scrutinizing our work is part of the territory, but comments such as these should have no place on MLBN."
Shouldn’t say that with cameras around?
2) Suggesting you shouldn’t report something said in the presence of MORE THAN A DOZEN reporters because it “wasn’t meant to get out?” is suggesting reporters should be protecting players from themselves. That’s not our job. It’s theirs.— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 12, 2023
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alanna Rizzo, MLB Network analyst, apologizes for vulgar rant
