Brewers rally around Josh Hader after tearful apology for offensive tweets
The entire Milwaukee Brewers team gathered around pitcher Josh Hader in a show of support Friday.
Earlier in the day, Hader reportedly shed tears while expressing regret and apologizing for past racist, sexist, bigoted and homophobic tweets, which surfaced following his appearance in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. The offensive tweets were posted over an eight-month span when Hader was 17.
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The Brewers show of support was on display as Hader met with the media prior to Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the media session, Hader expressed regret and apologized for his actions.
Josh Hader addressed his team today, then the local media. As he spoke, Brewers teammates showed up and literally had his back. pic.twitter.com/sLRzfLbsWJ
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 20, 2018
Josh Harder is supported by his entire team at his #Brewers press conference pic.twitter.com/xabWA4oL4w
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 20, 2018
Josh Hader’s teammates show up to support him as he addresses the media pic.twitter.com/mFNkIZSOxi
— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) July 20, 2018
Hader first apologized immediately following his appearance in the All-Star Game. The tweets were originally discovered moments after he allowed a home run to Jean Segura of the Seattle Mariners.
The next question is how Hader will be received by baseball fans, both in Milwaukee and around the league. With Hader not expected to pitch Friday, that answer will likely come another day.
What was the fallout from Josh Hader’s tweets?
After learning of Hader’s past tweets, Major League Baseball decided it wouldn’t suspend Hader. However, he will be required to go through sensitivity training and participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives, per a league announcement on Wednesday.
That process also began Friday when Hader met with Billy Bean. The former major leaguer has served as MLB’s ambassador for inclusion since the position was created in 2014. Bean didn’t elaborate on the details of his discussion with Hader, but did react to the show of support Hader received.
MLB vice president Billy Bean, who began MLB's sensitivity training with Josh Hader today, was stunned that every teammate came to media session to support him: "I didn't know what to expect. The whole club coming in says a lot about his character. That's what I felt today."
— Tom (@Haudricourt) July 20, 2018
How did the Brewers initially respond to Josh Hader’s tweets?
Brewers general manager David Stearns released a statement expressing disappointment in Hader’s tweet. He added that the Brewers don’t see the tweets as representative of Hader’s true beliefs.
A statement from Brewers GM David Stearns: pic.twitter.com/Whxhnt2P1Q
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 18, 2018
Brewers teammate and fellow All-Star Jesus Aguilar expressed support as well.
Regarding accusations of racism: I’m Venezuelan and with the skin color that I have, can tell you that it is a lie. Obviously he’s not racist.
He’s a great player and a better person. Great teammate.
And you know it— Jesus Aguilar (@JAguilarMKE) July 18, 2018
At least publicly, the Brewers seem to be unanimously in Hader’s corner as the baseball season resumes.
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