The Seattle Mariners did not take kindly to some racially-charged tweets posted by backup catcher Steve Clevenger on Thursday night.
After a brief review of the social media posts targeting the Black Lives Matter movement and national anthem demonstrations, as well as calling the president “pathetic,” the Mariners decided it was best to keep their distance from Clevenger. Friday, the franchise suspended Clevenger for the remainder of the season without pay.
Statement from Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto on the suspension of Steve Clevenger. pic.twitter.com/mgpQITiBy0
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 23, 2016
So, what exactly did Clevenger say to warrant such a reaction from the Mariners? You can see two posts captured in screen shots before being shielded behind a private account setting. It is easy to see why the Mariners reacted as they did, stating his views in no way represent the team.
#Mariners say they are "looking into" controversial tweets coming pitcher Steve Clevenger's account screencapped by @cablebox666: pic.twitter.com/RcWNdqflGV
— Jon Humbert (@jonhumbert) September 22, 2016
Clevenger did issue an apology, which came via Ken Rosenthal’s Facebook page.
“First and foremost I would like to apologize to the Seattle Mariners, my teammates, my family and the fans of our great game for the distraction my tweets on my personal Twitter page caused when they went public earlier today,” Clevenger said, apparently not understanding that comments on a personal Twitter page can and will quickly reach many more eyes than just those who follow you when you say something dumb.
“I am sickened by the idea that anyone would think of me in racist terms. My tweets were reactionary to the events I saw on the news and were worded beyond poorly at best and I can see how and why someone could read into my tweets far more deeply than how I actually feel.”
Uh-huh. Suuuuuuuuure.
“I just ask that the public not judge me because of an ill worded tweet.” How about two?
Clevenger’s apology is just like every other apology that has been thrown out there by a player who says something dumb he never should have put out in public in the first place. It’s one thing to speak your mind and express your thoughts freely. It’s another to just be a complete tone-deaf moron.
What is unknown at this time is how, or if, the MLBPA will step in with a response on this situation. Will they look to protect Clevenger and his First Amendment rights or will they agree he is a blithering idiot who should have known better?
[Mariners]
