ESPN host Max Kellerman angered some MLB fans after he appeared to insinuate St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols’ home run surge is PED-infused. His apology did not appear to help much, either.
“We showed video of Albert Pujols as he chases 700 home runs,” Kellerman said on “This Just In” Tuesday. “I commented that he seemed to be hitting the ball much better than he has in a long time.
“Some, including Albert, inferred that my curiosity as to how he was achieving this recent level of success could only mean that he was benefiting from something other than a lot of hard work, practice and his natural ability. For that, I apologize to Albert and the Cardinals’ organization.”
Pujols had just six home runs for the season on July 26. He’s hit 12 since to reach 697 for his career.
On Monday’s episode of “This Just In,” Kellerman questioned how Pujols, 42, has “suddenly discovered the fountain of youth,” as he chases the 700 home run milestone in his final season.
“It is amazing, how Pujols, who was in steady decline for years, suddenly, it’s like he discovered the fountain of youth! I don’t know how he’s doing it!” Kellerman said sarcastically.
“Bartender, I’ll have whatever he’s having! This is unbelievable. He sure has turned back the clock…how does a player turn back the clock like this? I guess it’s willpower and practice. All these years between then and now he hasn’t been practicing, apparently.”
Albert Pujols hits a two-run home run in the ninth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 11, 2022. Getty Images
Albert Pujols celebrates hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 11, 2022. Getty ImagesKellerman also went down the all-time home run list, and said Pujols is trailing Barry Bonds (762), but called it “a joke” because “that’s the juice, come on.”
Then, Kellerman went on to praise Henry Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714) for “doing it clean” on the all-time home run chart.
Kellerman received backlash on social media, with critics deeming his comments as “irresponsible” and “disrespectful.”
Max Kellerman attends the 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards on July 12, 2021 in New York City. Getty ImagesKellerman’s apology on Tuesday was not well-received by some fans that called him out on Twitter.
“That’s not an apology @maxkellerman. You apologized for people getting upset not for what you said,” one person tweeted. “Keep Albert Pujols’ name out your mouth!”
In 2013, Pujols sued former MLB player Jack Clark for claiming that the Cardinals slugger used performance-enhancing drugs earlier in his career.
The lawsuit was dropped a few months later, and Clark publicly retracted his statement.
Pujols and the Cardinals host the Brewers on Wednesday.
