After facing criticism for his controversial comments made over the weekend, Boston Red Sox radio announcer Will Flemming will receive a few days off. But the two things apparently aren't related. When Cooper Boardman opened Boston's series against the Seattle Mariners on the call for Game 1 on Monday, social media speculation was that Flemming was absent as punishment for remarks he made -- and apologized for -- regarding New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Sunday.
Several Red Sox reporters corrected that line of thinking, though. "(F)or those wondering, Will Flemming had pre-planned this series off," MLB.com's Ian Browne posted on X. "There is no hidden meaning to him not being in the booth (Monday)." Flemming got hot on Sunday when Chisholm stole two bases late in the Yankees' 16-1 win over the Red Sox in their series finale at Yankee Stadium.
Flemming called for the Red Sox to "drill" Austin Wells, who was at the plate for New York, and to "fight" Chisholm. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Flemming reached out to apologize. The announcer also issued a statement on X.
"Since I have been receiving nonstop calls and threats, I felt like it was important to hop back on here and say: My comments during (Sunday's) broadcast crossed a line," Flemming posted. "I'm emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast. "I meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization.
I could and should have used different words. These rivalry games get me fired up; I apologize for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of me." Including the piece about his receiving threats felt a bit odd, considering Flemming himself created this whole mess by positing a threat, in a way, against Chisholm. If Flemming was looking for sympathy, he did get some from Red Sox fans, unwarranted though it was.
The only fight the Red Sox and Yankees are guaranteed to have the rest of the way is in the standings. The two bitter rivals wouldn't face each other again unless they meet in the playoffs. Right now, Flemming's words might be simply bygones for the Yankees, but if another October meeting comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see what further emotions get sparked.
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