'Embarrassing,' 'Tone deaf': Reactions to Astros' apologies for cheating scandal
The Astros' much-anticipated apologies for their electronic sign-stealing scandal came Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The early verdict? Those apologies fell flat, particularly owner Jim Crane's performance.
Here's a sample of the Twitter reaction to the news conference.
Crane says that he doesn't think the sign-stealing impacted the game. "We won the World Series and we'll leave it at that."
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 13, 2020
Why would the players have done it, if it had no impact? And if it had no impact, what are they apologizing for?
Players are being painted as unable to think on their own and were misguided by the club's leaders. The best I can say about this day so far is it's meeting expectations.
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) February 13, 2020
This #Astros press conference was embarrassing. Totally unprepared. Who did Jim Crane use for PR help...Enron? #mlb
— David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) February 13, 2020
Right...they did it because trash can acoustics are good for the soul.
— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) February 13, 2020
Yes, they had a good team. But of course it impacted the game. If it didn’t impact the game, why continue it? Don’t play the public for fools. Just apologize, be accountable, and move forward. https://t.co/Hf7iFL7FRz
Commissioner Manfred's decision to not discipline the players involved in the Astros cheating scandal continues to look more troubling. Of course they won't talk about it or admit to it, and they've been empowered not to.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) February 13, 2020
This #Astros press conference
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 13, 2020
The Astros had a lot of time to prepare for this apologetic press conference. To trot out two players and have each of them speak for less than a minute doesn't exactly scream contrition. Their answers might continue to be brief, but the questions will continue.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) February 13, 2020
The Astros PR department should be fired over this joke of a press conference
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) February 13, 2020
#Astros owner #JimCrane, you’re a joke. No remorse, no conviction in statements and you blame 2 management employees and don’t hold players and yourself accountable. @MLB should make you sell your franchise, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! #cheaters
— Cam Cleeland (@CamCleeland) February 13, 2020
Those still with the Astros have had a number of opportunities to even try and do the right thing and have failed every single time. Those no longer with them have been better which further indicates the poor guidance and horrible culture within that organization.
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) February 13, 2020
This isn’t an apology. Don’t think anyone who isn’t an Astros diehard finds this acceptable. https://t.co/ULsR3cYU3g
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 13, 2020
Jim Crane: "We're apologizing because we broke the rules." He won't concede breaking the rules gave the Astros an advantage.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) February 13, 2020
This press conference was an absolute disaster for the Astros.
Again, what some people don't fully grasp is just how pissed opposing players w/ other teams are regarding the Astros. And if u think it's just Yankees & Dodgers ur not paying attention or simply ignoring reality. Players are livid and want to talk. That awful presser won't help
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) February 13, 2020
In a stunning turn of events, the Astros still have the worst PR strategy in sports.
— Jamesson Fleming (@JamesonFleming) February 13, 2020
Remorse? Why should we show remorse for breaking the rules? Astros ownership’s reaction appears to be only that they’re sorry that they got caught. https://t.co/zrR8xBE6Kk
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) February 13, 2020
Astros owner Jim Crane claiming cheating didn’t help them win the World Series may be the most tone deaf, arrogant, and despised statement in baseball since steroid scandal. Stunning!
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) February 13, 2020
The Astros should hire Bill O’Brien.
— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) February 13, 2020
We should have known better than to see the Astros handle this correctly. Their PR strategy has beeh a mess long before today. pic.twitter.com/teyeFVXJnz
— Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) February 13, 2020
Well I guess we see why the Astros organization has handled things so poorly, it starts at the top. Their owner Jim Crane is leading the way at embarrassing the organization with these answers.
— Mike Golic (@espngolic) February 13, 2020
