U.S. broadcaster apologizes after insulting Toronto Blue Jays fans

A Baltimore Orioles broadcaster is apologizing after taking shots at Toronto Blue Jays fans over the weekend.

MASN Orioles broadcaster and two-time MLB All-Star Brian Roberts faced plenty of backlash after questioning the baseball IQ of those in Canada after fans in Rogers Centre booed an attempted pick-off play involving Myles Straw at first base.

"I've got to be real, real careful what I say, but sometimes we've had some major questions about the baseball IQ of some Canadians here and there," Roberts said. "At times, it felt like maybe they knew a little bit more about hockey than baseball."

Baltimore’s broadcast crew on Blue Jays fans booing the pick off move:

“Sometime we had some major questions about the baseball IQ of Canadians.”

“Maybe they know a little bit more about hockey than baseball” pic.twitter.com/VTGXGcr7pv

— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) September 13, 2025

Blue Jays fans and players alike didn't appreciate the comments, including Ernie Clement, who threw a shot right back at the Orioles and their fanbase.

"We get 40,000 a night here. I mean, they probably get 5,000 a night, so it makes sense that you'd be a little salty about that," Clement quipped after learning of Roberts' remarks.

Roberts' comments came on Saturday, which was the Blue Jays' second of a three-game series versus the Orioles. On Sunday, Roberts, well aware of how poorly his quote was perceived, offered an apology to all baseball fans north of the border.

"I do want to apologize to Toronto fans for something I said on the air the other day," Roberts said. "I definitely never, ever meant to cause anyone to feel like I was disrespecting them at all. I have always enjoyed coming to Toronto, I've always enjoyed playing here… I hope they will accept my sincere apology for what I said on air here the other day."

The Brian Roberts apology.#Birdland | #BlueJays | @awfulannouncing pic.twitter.com/Kq1Rf6INa1

— Luke Slabaugh (@LukeSlabaugh) September 14, 2025

The Blue Jays ultimately had the last laugh, as they were able to defeat the Orioles by an 11-2 final on Sunday to give them the sweep over their divisional opponent. The three losses saw the Orioles drop to 69-80 on the season, while the Jays have improved to an AL East best 87-62.