Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb apologizes for racist and homophobic tweets

Another day, another athlete exposed for terrible behavior on social media. Atlanta Braves left-hander Sean Newcomb apologized Sunday after a series of his homophobic and racist tweets were found.

The tweets in question were made in 2011 and 2012 when Newcomb was a freshman at the University of Hartford.

These tweets were uncovered as Newcomb was pitching the game of his life on Sunday, coming within one strike of a no-hitter against the Dodgers, allowing only a two-out single in the ninth inning.

News of the tweets didn’t break until after reporters spoke with Newcomb, but the Braves made the pitcher available to media afterward as well.

Newcomb then added, per Wingert, “I think that people who know me know that’s now the kind of person I am,” eerily similar to the “They were never my beliefs” excuse offered by Brewers reliever Josh Hader, whose racist and homophobic tweets surfaced during the MLB All-Star Game.

Hader wasn’t suspended by MLB for his old tweets, but was ordered to undergo sensitivity training. It is unknown what punishment, if any, will be handed down to Newcomb.

The Braves released a statement on Sunday evening:

“We are aware of the tweets that surfaced after today’s game and have spoken to Sean, who is incredibly remorseful. Regardless of how long ago he posted them, he is aware of the insensitivity and is taking full responsibility.

“We find the tweets hurtful and incredibly disappointing and even though he was 18 or 19 years old when posted, it doesn’t make them any less tolerable. We will work together with Sean towards mending the wounds created in our community.”