(Reuters) - A Houston Astros executive who Sports Illustrated said yelled toward a group of female reporters after the team advanced to the World Series apologized on Tuesday for using inappropriate language.
The apology came a day after the report https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/10/22/houston-astros-roberto-osuna-suspension said Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman taunted the women by flaunting Houston's acquisition of closer Roberto Osuna, who was suspended in 2018 over allegations he assaulted the mother of his child.
"This past Saturday, during our clubhouse celebration, I used inappropriate language for which I am deeply sorry and embarrassed," Taubman said in a statement. "In retrospect, I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate.
"My overexuberance in support of a player has been misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude about an important social issue."
Osuna surrendered a game-tying, two-run homer in the ninth inning of Game Six of the American League Championship series on Saturday, which the Astros went on to win to secure a spot in the World Series, which begins later on Tuesday in Houston.
After the blown save by the Mexican right-hander, the report from Sports Illustrated said Taubman yelled "Thank God we got Osuna! I'm so (expletive) glad we got Osuna!" about a half dozen times toward the group of women.
The Astros on Monday called the report "misleading" and said Taubman's comments were not directed toward any specific reporters and that he was instead supporting a player who was being asked questions during a difficult time.
Major League Baseball also issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the Sports Illustrated story and said it would speak to those involved before commenting on the matter any further.
"Everyone in baseball must use care to not engage in any behavior — whether intentional or not — that could be construed as minimizing the egregiousness of an act of domestic violence," MLB said.
"We became aware of this incident through the Sports Illustrated article. The Astros have disputed Sports Illustrated's characterization of the incident."
Osuna was suspended 75 games last season for violating MLB's domestic violence policy before joining the Astros in a trade from Toronto.