When MLB star Trea Turner apologized after igniting backlash over resurfaced homophobic and racist tweets

Trea Turner, a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies, made headlines in 2018 when his unflattering old tweets surfaced. The MLB star ignited backlash after social media fumed over his old homophobic tweets.

Turner's tweets from 2011 and 2012 that were largely insensitive toward woke culture were discovered.

World Baseball Classic Championship: United States v Japan

Turner expressed his regret for the tweets in a statement issued by the Washington Nationals.

Trea Turner issued a statement. - Chelsea Janes

Turner held a 10-minute press conference and opened it with an apology for his behavior:

"It's not when I said the things I said, it's that I said them at all that's a clear learning point from this -- to make sure that anybody is aware of what they're saying at all times. No matter how you use it or what context you are using it in, words hurt."

"It's wrong and inexcusable for what I said. I know as an athlete I want to use the platform for good and make a difference in a positive way. I think I can do that, and I want to do that. That's something I can look into and make sure that I'm doing. Just want to reiterate I'm truly sorry for what I said."

Turner made his MLB debut in 2015.

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Trea Turner was in tears during his apology

Turner broke down in tears as he made explicit apologies to the LGBTQ, African-American, and special needs groups.

Video of Turner’s opening statement - Jamal Collier

A few of Turner's tweets ignited Twitter and the comments nonetheless sparked conversation around postmodernism and woke culture.

A few of Trea Turner’s tweets from 2011 and 2012 resurfaced today. They include racially insensitive language and homophobic slurs. The Nationals are aware of this, and are gathering information. - Chelsea Janes

Turner is one of MLB's swiftest runners, having at least twice in 2016 been timed at a speed of 22.7 mph (36.5 km/h). Turner tied the MLB record for the most cycles in a career on June 30, 2021, when he hit the cycle for the third time.