Reporter’s cryptic tweet about Cubs draft choose attracts sturdy backlash

USA As we speak reporter Bob Nightengale racked up lots of of indignant replies on a now-deleted tweet he despatched out Wednesday evening that some interpreted as offensive towards first-round Cubs draft choose Ed Howard.

Nightengale, a veteran of the MLB beat, wrote: “The #Cubs draft Ed Howard, sure, displaying motion as an alternative of hallow phrases.”

The Cubs have been vocal leaders in help of the Black Lives Matter amongst MLB groups throughout a nationwide upwelling in anger over police brutality. Howard is black and outspoken concerning the want for baseball to revive its pipeline of black athletes.

Many individuals, then, considered Nightengale’s tweet as a suggestion the Cubs chosen Howard due to his race. He left the submit on-line for hours earlier than deleting it with out clarification.

Beneath is a screenshot of the submit:

MORE: 2020 MLB Draft tracker

Howard, picked No. 16 by the Cubs within the 2020 MLB Draft, is a highschool shortstop from Illinois.

Whereas Chicago as soon as appeared set within the center infield for years to come back, trades and lackluster efficiency past Javier Baez leaves a gap for a franchise-changing participant to make a distinction. As a highschool grad, although, it’d take various years for him to achieve the large leagues.

Beneath is a choice of responses to Nightengale’s tweet: