Soto's Dominican league blasts Braves announcer in statement
Atlanta Braves broadcaster Joe Simpson is in more hot water after he questioned the age of Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto on Tuesday.
The Dominican Prospect League, which counts Soto among its alumni, issued an eye-opening statement directed at Simpson after he insinuated during a broadcast that the Nationals outfielder may not be 19 years old.
In the statement, the DPL calls for Simpson to "recuse yourself for at least one game as the broadcaster of the Atlanta Braves." The DPL writes that if Simpson won't do it, they will urge the Braves and/or MLB to step in.
Later in the statement, after explaining the damage Simpson's words may have had on the promising Rookie of the Year candidate, the DPL questioned why the broadcaster directed his comments at Soto (who was born in the Dominican Republic) and not at players like Chipper Jones or Bryce Harper.
"His being born in the Dominican Republic and being a remarkable player at a young age does not give you the right to infer that he has cheated by misrepresenting his age," the statement read.
"Questioning a player's age due to their remarkable success as a baseball player has no place in today's game, and is especially harmful when such line of questioning is motivated by a player's nationality."
The DPL also tried to further make a point about the potential harm Simpson's words may have caused by detailing scenarios involving his children, Meg and Gabe.
"How would you and your family feel if we do an investigation and begin to publicly question the transparency of your daughter Meg getting accepted into Villanova's Law School without any basis? How about if we call into question the details of your son Gabe's college application to Auburn University and publicly question it without any merit?
"Let's take it a step further and examine and call into question the successes they've had as young professionals in their respective field. Maybe that hits home a little closer."
Simpson was confronted by Nationals GM Mike Rizzo after making the comment during Game 1 of a doubleheader on Tuesday, and he later responded during the follow-up contest.
"If you were with us in Game 1, you might have heard me make a comment off the top of my head about if he’s 19," Simpson said on the broadcast, again referencing Soto. "Well, he is. He’s bonafide 19. And he is a full-grown man. He is strong. And he is one heck of a player. You might as well just write his name in on the Rookie of the Year award right now."
Simpson also came under fire this season for criticizing the batting-practice attire worn by Chase Utley and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He later issued an apology after learning the clothing was being worn in support of a cancer charity.