Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s dad told him to apologize to Toronto Blue Jays fans

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. met with reporters before the Toronto Blue Jays' final homestand to address the viral comments he made earlier this week.

Guerrero previously told a Dominican reporter that he didn't believe he was paid $500 million for what he's going to do in a Blue Jays uniform — it's for what he has already done.

The clip shared on social media amassed more than 15 million views and prompted several people to criticize the 27-year-old's mindset.

On Friday, Guerrero faced a large scrum of Toronto media and said he regretted making the comments.

"The reason I'm here is that I regret my comments the other day… I feel from my heart, my fans, my teammates, they needed an apology from me, and that's why I'm here," Guerrero said through Blue Jays translator Hector Lebron.

 

 

 

 

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"Obviously, I'm also here to tell everyone that I'm going to continue working hard to make my contract a great one."

The first baseman's comments came at what felt like the tipping point of a disappointing season for the team. The clip went viral on the same day the Blue Jays were mathematically eliminated from the postseason, while Guerrero continued to struggle at the plate.

The 27-year-old has hit just nine home runs for the Blue Jays this season, which will be the lowest total of his eight-year MLB career outside of the shortened 2020 pandemic season.

And Guerrero's comments weren't limited to his $500 million contract.

He also took a shot at Blue Jays fans who he felt haven't supported him through his struggles this season.

"The fans, I know how they are: when you are doing great, they are 100 per cent behind you, but when you are not at your best, not everybody is behind you; almost nobody supports you," Guerrero said to the Dominican reporter.

"Those are my real fans, the ones that are supporting me all the time."

Guerrero said some of the toughest words he had to hear came from his own dad, Hall of Fame outfielder Vlad Guerrero Sr.

"He told me what I did was wrong and to make sure that I do what I'm doing right now — to give my fans an apology," Guerrero said through the team translator.

The Blue Jays will wrap up their final three regular-season games at Rogers Centre this weekend against the Cincinnati Reds.