We were deeply disturbed at reports that Delmon Young shouted anti-Semitic epithets during a melee in front of a Midtown Manhattan hotel. Bigoted words are unbecoming for any professional sports player and anti-Semitism certainly has no place in the game, either on or off the field.
Like all celebrities, Major League baseball players are role models for young people and bear an important responsibility as being looked up to as models for appropriate behavior. When a player engages in hateful or racist remarks, it does great damage not only to their reputation, but that of their team and the entire franchise.
The diversity of the players and fans is one of the great strengths of America's pastime. We hope that Mr. Young will take the necessary steps to apologize and ensure that his alleged anti-Semitic words do not reverberate and do lasting harm.
