So, what? Lee Heidhues 6.5.2021
I totally get it that people need to be careful when they talk so that there are no racial or sexual overtones. That’s good in a society which prides itself on being open and inclusive.
However this striving for political correctness can go way overboard.
Amazon Diamondbacks announcer and former manager Bob Brenly has taken a leave of absence for making an ostensibly racially offensive remark. What did he say? In speaking of Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman’s (pictured above) headgear Brenly commented on air, “Pretty sure that’s the same durag that Tom Seaver (the late Hall of Fame pitcher) used to wear when he pitched for the Mets.”
Brenly, working for Bally Sports Arizona, made the remark during the fourth inning of the Diamondbacks’ 6-5 victory in 10 innings at home Tuesday night.
“Pretty sure that’s the same durag that Tom Seaver used to wear when he pitched for the Mets,” Brenly said.
CBSSports.com’s R.J. Anderson reports that Stroman, after learning of Brenly’s comments, responded on Twitter after the game.
First, he suggested that his HDHM apparel brand would soon begin selling durags.
Then Stroman wrote, “Onward and upward … through all adversity and racist undertones. The climb continues through all!”
Anderson says Brenly had apologized on Wednesday. “During last night’s game, I made a poor attempt at humor that was insensitive and wrong,” he said in a statement. “I apologize to Marcus Stroman and have reached out directly to share those thoughts.
“I have had several conversations with the D-Backs and we agree that seeking sensitivity training is an important step so that I can continue to learn from my mistakes in order to be better in the future.”
Diamondbacks pitcher Jon Duplantier, who also is Black, said he found Brenly’s comment about Stroman disappointing.
Brenly wasn’t in the booth for Thursday night’s game.
Brenly managed the Diamondbacks to the 2001 World Series championship in his first season guiding the team.
Lee's Perspective 