Brewers disappointed, but willing to forgive Hader

Milwaukee, W.I. ~ Over the All-Star Break in Washington D.C., the Milwaukee Brewers represented five players. Josh Hader, one of those All-Stars, got caught up in an awful controversy, one that dates back seven years ago regarding his tweets.

While Hader was pitching for the NL in the Midsummer Classic, homophobic, racist, and misogynistic tweets from his account in 2011 were surfaced, creating an uproar. Following the game Hader addressed the situation, apologized sincerely, and mentioned that he is not the same person today.

Two days later, in which should have been a relaxed workout at Miller Park, Hader’s controversy turned the workout into an outing much greater. Because of the Josh Hader incident, media from all over the nation flooded throughout the clubhouse doors and into the dugout to speak with manager Craig Counsell and other Brewers regarding the situation.

Hader and the five other Milwaukee All-Stars, Lorenzo Cain, Christian Yelich, Jesus Aguilar, and Jeremy Jeffress, were not in attendance, all given the day off following their All-Star duties.

The situation in the Brewers’ dugout was mostly forgiveness, but there was also a sense of shock. According to his teammates, Hader has been a great teammate and is always laid back.

I think you feel a bunch of things,” manager Craig Counsell said when asked for his general thoughts on the situation.

“I’m disappointed. At the same time I’m confused because it’s not the person or the teammate that I’ve known for the last three years. So I think you’re feeling both those things. That’s how I think a lot of guys feel.”

Most teammates chose to address their disappointment first and then focus on the kind of man Hader is today.

“In my experience of knowing, I’ve never seen him act that way or speak that way. Or do anything remotely like that,” said Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun. 

Third basemen Travis Shaw expressed that his tweets were inexcusable, but he can defend the man he is now.

Outfielder Keon Broxton, one of the four African-American men on the Brewers, said that he will forgive Josh.

”I was shocked. Definitely stunned by the things that were said,” he said. “But knowing him the last couple years, it’s kind of hard to even see him saying something like that. It’s definitely a complete shock.

“I didn’t know him when he was 17, or whenever those tweets were, but knowing him now, I don’t think he feels the same way or was using those words in a way to bash on the African-American culture.

“I know the guy, I love him. He’s a great teammate. He’s been a great friend to me. It’s very shocking to see this happen.”

Brett Phillips, Hader’s roommate for more than three years in the Minor League, also spoke upon the situation.

“I just want to speak on behalf of his character,” he said. “I’ve lived with Hader the last three years. I’m a Christian man and not once has he made me feel uncomfortable. Not once has he made me feel as if he is a racist or someone who talks down to women. I’ve lived with him and not once has that come out.”

Josh Hader has been one of the most dominant relievers of 2018 so far with a 2-0 record and an ERA of 1.50.

But with this recent scandal, will Hader be able to pitch as effectively as he has so far?

By Jacob Szczap

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