MLB Network analyst Alanna Rizzo publicly apologized to Fox Sports reporter Jake Mintz and the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Friday after she directed a vulgar tirade at Mintz during an episode of “High Heat” on Thursday.
“I want to sincerely apologize to Jake Mintz and the entire BBWAA,” Rizzo said on “High Heat.”
“What I said about Jake yesterday was completely inappropriate. It was inaccurate and beyond unprofessional. I was caught up in the moment.”
Mintz was in the Braves clubhouse when he heard Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia taunting Phillies slugger Bryce Harper after Atlanta’s Game 2 win, repeatedly saying, “Ha-ha, Atta-Boy, Harper!”
After Mintz reported the incident, Braves announcers went on the offensive and defended Arcia and his actions. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud said the clubhouse was “a sanctuary” and the incident resulted in players not wanting to speak to the media.
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On Thursday’s episode of “High Heat,” Rizzo called Mintz a “jackoff” and accused him of reporting the clubhouse incident to gain influence.
“And then at the end of the season some wanker comes in and gets approved, God only knows why. And the clubhouse is a sacred place,” Rizzo said. “And remember, I’ve been in clubhouses for 16, 17 years. I remember going in there, doing my job and walking out. This is her space. So for this idiot to go in there and take something. “It’s ridiculous to just give yourself a name when it’s taken out of context.”
Rizzo’s comments sparked a quick reaction from baseball writers across the country, rejecting Rizzo by saying the clubhouse was “sacred.” The Baseball Writers’ Association of America defended Mintz, writing in a statement that he was in good standing with the organization.
“To vulgarly suggest otherwise is both unprofessional and unacceptable,” the BBWAA said. “The BBWAA is deeply disturbed that the league’s network would allow the disparagement of one of our members in this manner. Scrutiny of our work comes with the territory, but comments like these should have no place on MLBN.”
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