The Houston Astros are back in the World Series for the second time in three years, but it’s not all positive news surrounding the team entering Game 1.
Sports Illustrated reporter Stephanie Apstein reported on Monday night that Astros assistant GM Brandon Taubman taunted some female reporters after the team won Game 6 of the ALCS Saturday night. According to Apstein, during the celebration of the Astros winning the pennant, Taubman yelled multiple times at three female reporters “Thank God we got Osuna.”
Here is Apstein’s description:
And in the center of the room, assistant general manager Brandon Taubman turned to a group of three female reporters, including one wearing a purple domestic-violence awareness bracelet, and yelled, half a dozen times, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f—— glad we got Osuna!”
Yahoo’s Hannah Keyser confirmed Apstein’s account.
can confirm https://t.co/iQbcYRIkf0
— Hannah Keyser (@HannahRKeyser) October 22, 2019
As did the Houston Chronicle’s Hunter Atkins.
The Astros called this @stephapstein report misleading. It is not. I was there. Saw it. And I should’ve said something sooner.
— Hunter Atkins (@HunterAtkins35) October 22, 2019
Houston acquired Roberto Osuna at the trade deadline last year, two months after the reliever was charged with assaulting a woman. The Astros faced so much criticism for the move that they released a statement defending the acquisition.
Houston obviously prioritized winning over public perception and morals when they made the move. Maybe they truly believed the reliever deserved another chance, which is understandable. But even if you believe that, you should still recognize the uneasiness it would cause some — especially women — to see Osuna pitch. Worse, throwing it right in the face of women shows an utter lack of regard for the sensitivity surrounding the matter and gives off a feeling of intimidation.
