Redskins GM: If Bryce Harper played in the NFL, he'd 'be a safety. He's a white guy'
Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan is about to regret a racist comment he made about Bryce Harper.
McCloughan, who played minor-league baseball for three seasons and has an extensive scouting background in football, was recently asked which position the Washington Nationals outfielder would be best suited in the NFL, and his response was shocking.
"Ehhhhh, probably strong safety. But I went to a game a couple weeks ago, and he flipped his hips and caught a fly ball out in right field in the corner, and I thought, maybe (cornerback). But I'm thinking, uhh, okay, no, he's gotta be a safety. He's a white guy."
McCloughan ran into Harper in a suite during the Washington Capitals' playoff game versus the New York Rangers on Wednesday, which prompted the conversation. McCloughan couldn't help but be impressed by Harper's support for other D.C. professional teams.
"What a quality guy," McCloughan said of Harper. "But just to see the passion; you know, he's wearing a Caps jersey, he's wearing a D.C. hat. Just seeing him involved in the community, just to know that the fan base is out of control - I love it. I love it. And I want Redskins fans to feel that."
You'd think McCloughan would be more sensitive than most to such comments considering the ongoing protests surrounding the football team's name - Redskins - which Native American groups have long denounced as exploitative and racist.
Harper may not show any support for the Redskins this season after he catches wind of McCloughan's thoughts.