Nationals shortstop Trea Turner apologizes for ‘inexcusable’ offensive tweets

Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner is the latest athlete to have old, offensive tweets surface. In Turner’s case, tweets from 2011 and 2012 came to light on Sunday and were since deleted.

Turner issued a statement through the Nationals apologizing for his tweets.

“There are no excuses for my insensitive and offensive language on Twitter. I am sincerely sorry for those tweets and apologize wholeheartedly,” Turner said. “I believe people who know me understand those regrettable actions do not reflect my values or who I am. But I understand the hurtful nature of such language and am sorry to have brought any negative light to the Nationals organization, myself, or the game I love.”

Turner was 18 when the tweets above were made, similar to Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader, whose offensive tweets surfaced during the MLB All-Star Game, and Braves starter Sean Newcomb, whose tweets came to light during his near no-hitter on Sunday.

Both Hader and Newcomb apologized and were asked questions by reporters. Hader was not suspended but was ordered by MLB to undergo sensitivity training. As of Sunday night, all we have from Turner is the statement.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo also released a statement on Sunday night:

“I have spoken with Trea regarding the tweets that surfaced earlier tonight. He understands that his comments — regardless of when they were posted — are inexcusable and is taking full responsibility for his actions. The Nationals organization does not condone discrimination in any form, and his comments in no way reflect the values of our club.

“Trea has been a good teammate and model citizen in our clubhouse, and these comments are not indicative of how he has conducted himself while part of our team. He has apologized to me and to the organization for his comments.”