Tigers TV Announcer Suspended For Using Offensive Asian Accent

DETROIT, MI —A day after Tigers television announcer Jack Morris used an offensive Asian accent on a broadcast - for which he later made an on-air apology -the Hall of Fame pitcher was suspended indefinitely by Bally Sports Detroit, the network announced Wednesday.

"Bally Sports Detroit is extremely disappointed with the remarks analyst Jack Morris made during last night's Tigers game," the network wrote in a statement. "Jack has been suspended indefinitely from Tigers broadcasts and will be undergoing bias training to educate him on the impact of his comments and how he can be a positive influence in a diverse community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination and deeply apologize for his insensitive remark.

The Detroit Tigers said the organization supported Bally's decision.

"The Detroit Tigers take immense pride in honoring the diverse cultures that make up our players, coaching staff, front office, fan base and community," the team wrote in a statement. "We are deeply disappointed by the comments made by Jack Morris during the broadcast last night. We fully support Bally Sports Detroit's decision and their on-going commitment to ensure that all personnel are held to the highest standards of personal conduct.

In the sixth inning of Tuesday's game between the Tigers and Angels, and with the Angels' Japanese slugger Shohei Ohtani headed to the plate, Tigers play-by-play announcer Matt Shepard asked Morris: "Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?"

In an accent, Morris said: "Be very, very careful."

When Ohtani came to bat in the ninth inning of Los Angeles' 8-2 win, the 66-year-old Morris addressed his earlier comments.

"Well folks, Shohei Ohtani is coming to the plate and it's been brought to my attention, and I sincerely apologize if I offended anybody, especially anybody in the Asian community for what I said about pitching and being careful to Shohei Ohtani," Morris said. "I did not intend for any offensive thing and I apologize if I did. I certainly respect and have the utmost respect for this guy and don't blame a pitcher for walking him."