12:11 PM PT — Morris has just been suspended indefinitely from his role as the Tigers’ on-air analyst … with Bally Sports Detroit calling his comments Tuesday night “insensitive.”
“Bally Sports Detroit is extremely disappointed with the remarks analyst Jack Morris made during last night’s Tigers game,” officials announced in a statement Wednesday.
“Jack has been suspended indefinitely from Tigers broadcasts and will be undergoing bias training to educate him on the impact of his comments and how he can be a positive influence in a diverse community.”
The Tigers backed the network’s decision … saying in a statement of their own, “We are deeply disappointed by the comments made by Jack Morris during the broadcast last night.”
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
“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.
Originally Published — 6:34 AM PT
