'Inexcusable:' MLB requires sensitivity training for Brewers' Hader; Twitter account deleted



WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers and the National League reacts as he is pulled from the game in the eighth inning against the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Pa



MILWAUKEE -- Major League Baseball officials announced on Wednesday, July 18 that the Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Milwaukee Brewers' relief pitcher Josh Hader. Hader, 24, will also have to take part in the MLB's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The requirement comes in the wake of Hader’s appearance in the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday -- and news of racist, sexist and homophobic tweets Hader published that date back to 2011 and 2012. Hader's Twitter account has shut down since those tweets surfaced.

Hader addressed the tweets after Tuesday's game. He apologized -- saying he was 17 and immature at the time of the tweets.



"I was 17 years old, and as a child I was immature, and obviously I said some things that were inexcusable," Hader told reporters in the visitors’ clubhouse at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. "That doesn’t reflect on who I am as a person today."

Milwaukee Brewers' General Manager David Stearns released the following statement on Hader's actions:





“We have been in contact with Josh and he is fully aware of the severity of the situation related to his social media comments, regardless of the timeline of his posts.  His comments are inexcusable, and he is taking full responsibility for the consequences of his actions.  In no way do these sentiments reflect the views of the Brewers organization or our community.

Those of us that have come to know Josh do not believe that these posts are representative of his beliefs. He has been a good teammate and contributor to the team in every way.

We will continue to work through this issue with Josh as we prepare to resume games after the break.”


Major League Baseball issued the following statement:

"During last night's game we became aware of Mr. Hader's unacceptable social media comments in years past and have since been in communication with the Brewers regarding our shared concerns. After the game, Mr. Hader took the necessary step of expressing remorse for his highly offensive and hurtful language, which fails to represent the values of our game and our expectations for all those who are a part of it. The Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Mr. Hader and participation in MLB's diversity and inclusion initiatives."


The tweets started trending as Hader was on the field during Tuesday's All-Star Game. One tweet reads: "I hate gay people." He has since deleted his Twitter account, and said he plans on apologizing to his teammates.

"Awful. I have a son who is gay. I take that personally. I don't like it at all. I think it is inappropriate. He has a right to his opinion, but keep it to himself," said Sue Jarvela.

Travelle Robinson said he believes Hader is a changed man.

"He may not feel the same way. Honestly," said Robinson.





WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers and the National League pitches in the eighth inning against the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washin