MLB Network analyst Alanna Rizzo issued a public apology on Friday, addressing her inappropriate comments directed at Fox Sports reporter Jake Mintz and the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) during an episode of “High Heat” on Thursday.
Rizzo expressed her deep remorse, stating, “I want to extend a sincere apology to Jake Mintz and the entire BBWAA.” She acknowledged that her remarks about Jake were out of line, factually incorrect, and completely unprofessional. She attributed her lapse in judgment to being caught up in the heat of the moment.
Alanna Rizzo gave "a very heartfelt apology to Jake Mintz and the entire BBWAA" pic.twitter.com/rT9tjSWLY3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2023
The incident began when Mintz reported on Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia taunting Phillies slugger Bryce Harper after the Braves’ Game 2 victory. This incident led to Braves announcers defending Arcia and criticizing Mintz for his reporting, with catcher Travis d’Arnaud emphasizing the sanctity of the clubhouse and suggesting that such incidents make players hesitant to engage with the media.
“And then some jackoff comes in at the end of the season that gets a credential, God only knows why. And the clubhouse is a sacred space, And remember, I’ve been in clubhouses for the last 16, 17 years. I remember I would go in there, get my job done and get out. That is their space. So for this idiot to go in there and take something out of context just to give himself a name is ridiculous.” : Rizzo said.
During the “High Heat” episode on Thursday, Rizzo used derogatory language, referring to Mintz as a “jackoff” and accusing him of exploiting the clubhouse incident for personal gain. She also asserted that clubhouses are private spaces, and her comments were seen as a defense of that idea.
Rizzo’s comments drew swift and widespread criticism from baseball writers across the country, particularly regarding her characterization of the clubhouse as “sacred.” The BBWAA stood firmly by Mintz, emphasizing his good standing within the organization and condemning the unprofessional and unacceptable nature of Rizzo’s remarks. The BBWAA also expressed deep concern about the league’s network allowing such disparaging comments about one of its members and called for a more respectful discourse within MLB
