Here’s a sampling of what’s being said on social media in reaction to comments made by Pirates TV commentator Steve Blass about Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Tuesday:
Pirates announcer Steve Blass has a problem with Ronald Acuna's jewelry "and stuff."
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) June 5, 2019
His comments came after the Braves player was hit by a pitch. https://t.co/UAwP9dQqEF
Steve Blass seemed to imply that Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. deserved to be intentionally hit by a pitch due to "all the jewelry and all the stuff.”
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) June 5, 2019
Criticism was swift and severe, with some suggesting that the comments carried racial overtones. https://t.co/ioi0OnJe5O
During the TV broadcast of last night’s Pirates-Atlanta game, analyst Steve Blass said he doesn’t like Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves wearing so much jewelry while he plays. Blass added that maybe Acuna would have got thrown at back in Blass’ day.https://t.co/31rNzSerae
— 105.9 The X (@1059thex) June 5, 2019
Dudes wear chains in the bigs. So what? Pirates announcer Steve Blass (think their version of Joe Simpson) had an issue with Acuna's Mr T. starter set last night pic.twitter.com/AZXd5mtWaf
— MikeBell929 (@MikeBellATL) June 5, 2019
Steve Blass is a graduate of the Joe Simpson School of Garbage Broadcasting, majoring in tough guy moralizing, with a minor in dog whistling.
— Adam Thomas (@BeachballDelay) June 5, 2019
And yes, he mumbled “prick” under his breath because a 2nd year star didn’t like being hit with an inside fastball. https://t.co/ysLIpxNxfP
Steve Blass is a World Series winner and an all-star. Acuña isn’t much so far.
— Nathan Ealy (@nathanealy) June 5, 2019
If you think Steve Blass is racist, you’re what’s wrong with society. Quit making everything about race. If he thinks Acuna is a clown it’s because of his actions not the color of his skin. Personally I don’t have a problem with Acuna.
— Jarrod Ranone (@saywhatranone) June 5, 2019
That’s Steve Blass... Pirates legend... funny guy, but he’s old as hell. This is his last year.
— Paschal (@FPFPaschal) June 5, 2019
THIS is Steve Blass. pic.twitter.com/uTD72Mnoob
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 5, 2019
It’s easy to attack Steve Blass for his comments tonight if this is the first you’ve heard of him. It’s harder to hear them when you’ve grown up watching and listening to him on broadcasts. Blass is a good guy but he’s old school baseball and it’s part of what holds the game back
— Sean Gallagher (@GallagherRadio) June 5, 2019
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