The Houston Astros are under fire after a Sports Illustrated report highlighted assistant general manager Brandon Taubman’s behavior following the American League Championship Series.
Taubman reportedly turned to three female reporters, one of whom was wearing a bracelet for domestic violence awareness, and repeatedly yelled in support of Roberto Osuna, the team’s closer who was suspended 75 games in the 2018 season for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. Taubman reportedly said, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so [expletive] glad we got Osuna!”
Osuna, as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, was charged with domestic assault in May 2018, but the charges were later withdrawn. The Astros traded for him before the end of his suspension.
The Astros initially released a statement, calling the story “misleading and completely irresponsible” — leading to further criticism.
“The story posted by Sports Illustrated is misleading and completely irresponsible. An Astros player was being asked questions about a difficult outing,” the Astros said. “Our executive was supporting the player during a difficult time. His comments had everything to do about the game situation that just occurred and nothing else — they were also not directed toward any specific reporters. We are extremely disappointed in Sports Illustrated’s attempt to fabricate a story where one does not exist.”
Multiple reporters, including two from the Houston Chronicle, contradicted Houston’s account, saying there were no players around when Taubman went up to the group. Sports Illustrated also reported one Houston staffer apologized to the group.
The Astros then issued a statement of apology from Taubman Tuesday afternoon.
“This past Saturday, during our clubhouse celebration, I used inappropriate language for which I am deeply sorry and embarrassed,” Taubman said. “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. Those that know me know that I am a progressive and charitable member of the community and a loving and committed husband and father. I hope that those who do not know me understand that the Sports Illustrated article does not reflect who I am or my values. I am sorry if anyone was offended by my actions.”
An additional statement from team owner and chairman Jim Crane added that the Astros fully support MLB’s policy on domestic violence and work to raise money to combat the issue in Texas.
The Astros were heavily criticized on Twitter:
The @astros need to stop lying and start apologizing and firing - or the commissioner needs to step on, today - or their own dishonesty and misogyny are going to overshadow their own World Series. #shameful https://t.co/fK95qYeAhU
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 22, 2019
“But in truth, the Astros’ front office acts as if it is tired of being yelled at about this subject.”
— Jexas (@Jexas) October 22, 2019
I’m tired of feeling a pit in my stomach & the joy baseball usually gives me being sucked out of the room anytime our closer comes to the mound.
Can’t wait til Osuna is gone. https://t.co/aobU7vJJhS
Truly troubling actions from Brandon Taubman & Astros… and not nearly enough accountability
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 22, 2019
Sure seems like Astros are willing to ignore or twist the facts to suit their story, undermining others along the way, as long as it leads to wins.
.If you want an example of how not to behave as a human being, Houston’s Brandon Taubman provides a good one. If you want an example of how not to respond after the criticism comes, Houston’s PR department’s unbelievable press release is just as good. They deserve each other. https://t.co/k7ezm8lGpZ
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 22, 2019
Ridiculous. Lost for words. Women in baseball clubhouses have such a high tolerance for borderline intolerable things. The idea that anyone would make this up…
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 22, 2019
Also, we define “a difficult time” differently. He gave up a homer. He hadn’t been, you know, beaten up by a spouse. https://t.co/hb0oO7RnZG
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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