Detroit Tigers analyst Jack Morris apologized on-air Tuesday night … after he used an offensive accent before an at-bat by Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
Just before the L.A. designated hitter — who’s Japanese — stepped up to the plate in the 6th inning of the Halos’ game against the Tigers … Morris tried to be funny on the broadcast by using an accent that many felt was mocking Asians.
Jack Morris apologies before Shohei Otani’s at-bat in the ninth inning. pic.twitter.com/WdCjfyfSvX
— Spencer Wheelock (@SpencerWheelock) August 18, 2021
@SpencerWheelock
“Be very, very careful,” Morris said when asked by play-by-play man Matt Shepard how the Tigers should pitch to the hitter.
Morris’ remarks were immediately panned on social media … with critics calling them racist and offensive.
In fact, the backlash grew so loud … Morris issued an apology for the words just 3 innings later.
“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.
“I did not intend for any offensive thing and I apologize if I did. I certainly respect and have the utmost respect for this guy and don’t blame a pitcher for walking him.”
Morris — a former MLB pitcher who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 — has been analyzing games on broadcasts for years … helping call tilts for the Blue Jays, Twins and Tigers.