Associated Press Jun 9, 2023 06:482 minutes read
CLEVELAND — The Boston Red Sox believe they took the right steps after learning of an anti-gay tweet by pitcher Matt Dermody two years ago.
Dermody, who was raised by Triple-A Worcester to make his first major league start in Thursday’s game against the Guardians, made the social media post public in 2021. It has since been deleted, but screenshots taken are still circulating circulation.
The Red Sox said they were unaware of Dermody’s tweet when the 32-year-old signed with the club in January. Upon learning of this, team officials met with Dermody, who completed mandatory anti-discrimination and harassment training in March.
“What Matt posted in 2021 was hurtful — and we raised that with him when we found out about it after he joined the Red Sox in 2023,” team president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. “We cannot dictate the religious beliefs or political views of our players and staff, but we demand that they treat the people of our organization and our stadium with respect and professionalism.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora echoed Kennedy’s stance.
“Obviously, as an organization, we made that decision and did a lot to educate our players on the issue,” said Cora, who was sitting in the progressive field dugout ahead of the series finale. “I don’t know how many organizations do it with their staff and players, teaching them to be inclusive and of course to accept everyone in their club home and work environment.”
Cora said it was not his job to offer an opinion on Dermody’s beliefs.
“Obviously not too many people agree with Matt’s tweet,” Cora said. “I’m not here to tell him what to say or what to do. But one thing is for sure, if you don that uniform, we want people to be inclusive.”
“I think the clubhouse is a reflection of the world. We have people of different races, different beliefs, not just religious beliefs but political beliefs as well.”