Photo: Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty
Apstein reported that Taubman’s quote was directed at a group of three female reporters, one of whom was wearing a purple domestic violence awareness bracelet. She also noted that his cries were “offensive and frightening” enough to warrant an apology from a different Astros employee.
Osuna, then a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, was arrested and charged with assault in May 2018 after allegedly hitting his girlfriend. He was suspended without pay for 75 games and was traded to the Astros in July 2018.
The charges against him were dropped in September 2018 after he agreed to stay away from his alleged victim for one year and continue counseling — and after she returned to Mexico and declined to testify, theAssociated Pressreported.
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The “difficult time” likely refers to the fact that Osuna, 24, gave up a two-run home run in the game that allowed the Yankees to tie it in the top of the ninth.
The statement was met with backlash from fans, who criticized the Astros for targeting Apstein.
SIfollowed the Astros’ statement withone of its ownthat defended Apstein and her reporting, and cited other outlets who had corroborated the scene she’d witnessed.
Taubman continued, defending himself as a “progressive and charitable member of the community,” and a “loving and committed husband and father.”
Houston Astros celebrate ALCS win.Bob Levey/Getty
“I’m a huge Astros fan and think Taubman’s statement was icky – far from an apology. He all but blamed them for being offended for what he did” one userwrote.
Crane’s statement, meanwhile, said the Astros are “committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence,” and noted that the team has made efforts to help fund groups that work to fight domestic violence, theWashington Postreported.
Major League Baseball has since announced it will investigate the incident,ESPNreported.
“Domestic violence is extraordinarily serious and everyone in baseball must use care to not engage in any behavior — whether intentional or not — that could be construed as minimizing the egregiousness of an act of domestic violence,” MLB’s statement read. “We became aware of this incident through theSports Illustratedarticle. The Astros have disputedSports Illustrated‘s characterization of the incident. MLB will interview those involved before commenting further.”
Taubman has worked for the Astros since 2013, and was promoted to assistant general manager last year, according to hisLinkedInprofile.
The Astros are currently up against the Washington Nationals in the World Series, with the Nationals leading one game to zero.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
