Photo Courtesy of USA Today's FTW
New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman said he would strive to persevere through “adversity and racist undertones” after Arizona broadcaster Bob Brenly made a racist joke on Tuesday about the do-rag under the player’s cap.
While Stroman pitched on the mound in the fourth inning against his opponent, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Brenly, who is a Diamondbacks announcer for Bally Sports Arizona, commented: “Pretty sure that’s the same do-rag that Tom Seaver used to wear when he pitched for the Mets.”
Brenly’s comment didn’t go unnoticed by the pitcher; Stroman came up with his head high in a post-game tweet and said, “Onward and upward…through all adversity and racist undertones. The climb continues through all!”
He also quoted a fan’s comment about the incident claiming that he couldn’t call the broadcaster’s remark “blatant racism,” as a fan tweeted, “because media will turn this against me somehow.”
That wasn’t the only fan who responded to the racist comments. Fans came raging to Stroman’s defense about the issue on Twitter.
Luis E. Rojas, baseball manager for the Mets, also came to Stroman’s defense after hearing Brenly’s comments.
Related Story: Drekarion Williams, 14, Could Be Paralyzed Below The Waist Following Possible Mistaken Identity Shooting
According to the Associated Press, Brenly issued a statement through the Diamondbacks apologizing to Stroman.
“During last night’s game, I made a poor attempt at humor that was insensitive and wrong,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
“I apologize to Marcus Stroman and have reached out directly to share those thoughts. I have had several conversations with the D-backs, and we agree that seeking sensitivity training is an important step so that I can continue to learn from my mistakes in order to be better in the future.”