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MLB won’t suspend Brewers pitcher Josh Hader for anti-gay, racist tweets

The posts were made when the athlete was 17 years old

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Josh Hader addressing his offensive tweets during a post-game press conference (Photo via Twitter)

Major League Baseball won’t suspend Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader for old anti-gay, sexist and racist tweets that resurfaced during his first All-Star appearance at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night.

The tweets, which were posted in 2011 and 2012, included use of the N-word and one tweet that stated: “I hate gay people.”

Yahoo Sports reporter Jeff Passan tweeted that during the game Hader’s family took off jerseys with his name on it and wore generic jerseys.

Hader was unaware of the Twitter firestorm until after the game when he issued an apology to reporters.

“You know, it was something that happened when I was 17 years old,” the now 24-year-old Maryland native said. “As a child, I was immature, and I obviously said some things that were inexcusable. That doesn’t reflect on who I am as a person today, and that’s just what it is.”

When asked to explain the tweets, Hader said, “I’m sure there’s some lyrics, some rap lyrics being tweeted. I really don’t know exactly what’s all out there.”

The MLB won’t suspend Hader for the tweets but will require him to attend sensitivity training.

“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,” the MLB said in a statement. “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.”

Watch Hader’s apology below.

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