Bench Apologizes for Antisemitic Joke

Cincinnati Reds Legend Regrets Comment Made at Team Event

Baseball Hall of Fame Catching Icon Johnny Bench, who spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds, apologized Sunday for an antisemitic comment he made during a team event the previous day.

Bench, 74, is a two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. He is considered one of the greatest catchers in MLB history.

The Reds issued a statement on Sunday saying that Bench had apologized to the team and to the Jewish community for his "insensitive and offensive" comment.

“I am deeply sorry for the pain that I have caused,” Bench said in a statement. “I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I have always tried to be a positive role model, and I am committed to making amends for my behavior.”

The Reds said that they have accepted Bench's apology and that they will continue to work with him to promote diversity and inclusion in baseball.

Bench's apology comes at a time when antisemitism is on the rise in the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were more than 2,000 reported incidents of antisemitism in the U.S. in 2021, the highest number since the ADL began tracking such incidents in 1979.

Bench's apology is a reminder that antisemitism is never acceptable, and that we must all work together to create a more inclusive and tolerant society.