MLB All-Star Game 2018: Brewers' Josh Hader won't be suspended for racist, homophobic tweets

by Felix Pantaleón

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader gave up a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the 2018 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 (7/17/18) at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Following the game, Hader faced questions about hateful tweets he posted as a teenager.

One of the post-game storylines following the 2018 MLB All-Star Game Tuesday at Nationals Park in Washington, DC involved Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader.

He gave up a three-run home run to Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura, who was pinch-hitting for the American League in the top of the eighth inning.

The AL would go on to win the game, 8-6, in 10 innings.

Following the game, Hader was asked about tweets he posted as a 17-year-old, which resurfaced while he was in the game.

Hader, now 24, took responsibility for the racist and homophobic tweets, saying he was immature when he posted them.

“There’s no excuse for what was said,” Hader said. “I’m deeply sorry for what I’ve said and what’s been going on. It doesn’t reflect any of my beliefs going on now.”

According to the Associated Press, Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem spoke to Hader following the game.

Yankees keep ’em or dump ’em

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball issued a statement regarding Hader, who will not be suspended for his tweets.

“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.”

A statement from Brewers GM David Stearns: pic.twitter.com/Whxhnt2P1Q
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 18, 2018

Brewers teammate and fellow All-Star Jesus Aguilar took to Twitter Wednesday to support Hader:

First of all I want to show my support to my friend and teammate, Josh Hader.
He made a mistake 7 years ago. He admitted, he apologized and most important: He learned from it.
— Jesus Aguilar (@JAguilarMKE) July 18, 2018

Regarding accusations of racism: I’m Venezuelan and with the skin color that I have, can tell you that it is a lie. Obviously he’s not racist.
He’s a great player and a better person. Great teammate.
And you know it
— Jesus Aguilar (@JAguilarMKE) July 18, 2018

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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