Free Agency or ‘Atomic Bomb’: Following in JJ Watt’s Footsteps, MLB World Rallies Behind Japanese Shohei Ohtani After Insensitive Media Comments

If there is one free agent the media can’t stop drooling over, it is Shohei Ohtani’s. That said, there have been strange talks and a lot of nitpicking about this subject. On one hand, some folks appreciate Ohtani’s camp maintaining privacy, on the other some ridicule it. Surprisingly, certain media comments have erupted, indicating perceived frustration over the secrecy. 

Amid trying not to blow the two-way phenom’s free agency approaches out of proportion, Ohtani and his agent have chosen to stay silent about any potential deal. However, certain media remarks about this situation have led fans to side together in support of the ‘Unicorn‘ through and through. 

Certain Comments By the Media Enraged Shohei Ohtani’s Well-Wishers and Fellow Sports People 

A couple of instances emerged on the news. Starting with ESPN’s Buster Olney. In a recent article of his, Olney shared his opinion on Ohtani’s choice of staying hushed over his much-talked-about free agency. Not only did he say that Ohtani’s free agency is not fun anymore due to “silence and threats”, but he also called it a “disservice”.

Well-wishers and sports people who empathize were quick to call it out. One of them was Football’s defensive end, J.J. Watt. His tweet exemplified how the media is critical of every move an athlete makes. 

Another instance where the silence was questioned was when ‘Mad Dog’ made insensitive comments. @awfulannouncing tweeted, “Chris Russo obliterates Shohei Ohtani’s hushed free agency: ‘What is this, the atomic bomb?’”. What might be seen as offensive, being used to describe a sporting choice brought about some imminent outrage. 

Fans soon joined hands with JJ Watt and defended the 2x unanimous MVP. Some ridiculed the media for not respecting boundaries, while some took a dig at the comments Russo made, calling it a “racist rampage on national tv”. It is the supporters of the former Los Angeles Angels star that stand by him in defending his want for privacy.

Here’s What Fans Had To Say

Ranging from how the media controls the narrative to how Ohtani is not getting the cooperation (in terms of privacy) that he needs, the fans said it all. Well, amid all the chaos, one thing is for sure. The fans are relentlessly backing up the Japanese star.

One fan, responding to JJ Watt’s tweet, said, “They get upset..”

Another fan said, despite all chatter, was excited to see where Ohtani lands. 

Some fans took a dig at Chris Russo’s insensitive words. 

Another fan sided with the Oshu-born saying, “this is absurd”. 

There was yet another enraged fan commented on how one(Russo) could even “use THOSE words”! 

That said, it is important to remember that though the premium player demanded absolute secrecy, there were some leaks about his meeting with potential suitors. Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers himself spoke about one of their rendezvous.

Read More : Blue Jays GM Reveals Tactics to Lure Shohei Ohtani, as Toronto-Based Team Aims for Top Free Agents

Additionally, there was news on him meeting the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays, attracting chatter that this move could jeopardize their chances of Ohtani singing with them. All that said, only time will tell if any of these rumors bore reality.

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!