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The Twitter controversy that marred All-Star Game

 
Published July 18, 2018

What had been a three-day feel-good All-Star celebration of baseball ended in some controversy on Tuesday night with Brewers reliever Josh Hader apologizing for a series of tweets from 2011-12 that contained racist, sexist and homophobic comments.

"There's no excuse for what was said," Hader said somberly following  the game. "I'm deeply sorry for what I said and what's been going on. It doesn't reflect any of my beliefs going now."

Hader said he made the "inexcusable" comments when he was 17, "young, immature and stupid," and still "learning" who he was while in high school.

The tweets were uncovered by another Twitter user and posted during the game. Hader said when he came into the clubhouse after giving up a three-run homer to Seattle's Jean Segura in the eighth he was made aware of the rapidly growing controversy.

MLB officials declined comment Tuesday night but may have  something to say on Wednesday. Hader could potentially face disciplinary action, and said, "I'm ready for any consequences that happen for what happened seven years."

Family and friends waiting for Hader outside the clubhouse were brought generic jerseys by staff so they could take off the ones they were wearing with his name on the back.

Hader was acquired by the Brewers from the Astros in July 2015 in a deal built around now-Rays OF Carlos Gomez.