Stephen A. Smith Finally Apologizes For Shohei Ohtani Comment

Stephen A. Smith received heavy backlash on Monday after he said that Shohei Ohtani was a bad face of baseball because he needs an interpreter so you can understand what the hell he’s saying.”

After fans and members of the media trashed Stephen A, he tried to clarify his comments.

Stephen A. Smith Attempts To Clarify His Awful-Sounding Shohei Ohtani Takehttps://t.co/SAP9IWafuF

— SideAction (@SideActionHQ) July 12, 2021

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After some more criticism (and probably a phone call from his boss), Stephen A. Smith has finally issued a real apology to Shohei Ohtani.

“Let me apologize right now,” Stephen A. Smith wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. “As I’m watching things unfold, let me say that I never intended to offend any community, particularly the Asian Community – and especially SHOHEI Ohtani, himself. As an African-American, keenly aware of the damage stereotyping has done to many in this country, it should’ve elevated my sensitivities even more. Based on my words, I failed in that regard and it’s on me, and me alone. Ohtani is one of the brightest stars in all of sports. He is making a difference as it pertains to inclusiveness and leadership. I should have embraced that in my comments. Instead, I screwed up.

“In this day and age, with all the violence being perpetrated against the Asian Community, my comments — albeit unintentional — were clearly insensitive and regrettable. There’s simply no other way to put it. I’m sincerely sorry for any angst I’ve caused with my comments on First Take this morning. Again, I am sorry. And I’ll happily reiterate these words more extensively tomorrow morning, as well.”

I'm sincerely sorry. pic.twitter.com/pANjWTrD4X

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 12, 2021

Stephen A. Smith not only upset many people with his comments, but colleagues, including Mina Kimes, sent messages to support Shohei Ohtani after Stephen A’s remark.

Shohei Ohtani is set to headline a group of stars in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. And he’s scheduled to be the starting pitcher and bat first for the American League during Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

The stage is set for Sho-Time in Denver this week. Let’s just hope Stephen A. Smith doesn’t continue to rain on the guy’s parade.

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