Astros Exec Apologizes After Outburst Makes Waves

The assistant general manager of the Houston Astros apologized Tuesday for using "inappropriate language" after a Sports Illustrated report said he repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters about closer Roberto Osuna during a clubhouse celebration. Brandon Taubman released a statement through the Astros hours before they played Game 1 of the World Series against Washington, the AP reports. Major League Baseball said it will interview those involved before further commenting. Taubman's remarks after the Astros clinched the AL pennant reportedly referenced Osuna, who was suspended for 75 games last year for violating MLB's domestic violence policy before being traded from Toronto to the Astros. According to SI, Taubman shouted "Thank God we got Osuna!" and made similar remarks several times, punctuating them with an expletive.

SI said one of the reporters was wearing a domestic violence awareness bracelet during the Saturday night incident. On Monday night, after the SI story was published, the Astros called it "misleading and completely irresponsible." The team said SI had tried to "fabricate a story where one does not exist" and said Taubman's comments weren't directed at the reporters. But Taubman, on Tuesday, said he was "deeply sorry and embarrassed." "In retrospect, I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate. My overexuberance in support of a player has been misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude about an important social issue," he said. MLB said in a statement that "the Astros have disputed Sports Illustrated's characterization of the incident. MLB will interview those involved before commenting further." (Much more here.)