Giants’ Holland apologizes for use of mock Asian accent in MLB Network skit

San Francisco Giants pitcher Derek Holland issued an apology Thursday after speaking in a mock Asian accent during an appearance on the MLB Network program ‘Intentional Talk’ a day earlier.

While wearing a wig and a shirt emblazoned with the imaged of deceased artist Bob Ross, Holland on Wednesday attempted a skit with the team’s Japanese massage therapist Haro Ogawa serving as his ‘hype man.’ During the interview, Holland spoke in the mock Asian accent, at one point uttering ‘much respect’ while bowing sarcastically.

Ogawa did appear to be in on the joke, even if the audience was not. 

The southpaw can be heard asking if Ogawa would ‘kiss a giraffe’ and if he likes water. At one point MLB Network host and former player Kevin Millar yelled ‘Konnichiwa.’

  

 During the interview, Giants pitcher Derek Holland (right) spoke in the mock accent, at one point uttering ‘much respect’ while bowing sarcastically alongside the team’s masseuse 

As criticism for the skit circulated through social media, the Giants addressed it in a statement to Deadspin:

‘The Giants organization does not condone that type of behavior in any way. We spoke to Derek regarding his interview yesterday and he completely understands the severity of the situation and apologizes if it offended anyone.’

Holland then personally addressed the issue prior to the Giants’ afternoon game against the New York Mets.

‘I want to make sure it’s clear that was all on me,’ Holland told reporters. ‘Now it’s become a distraction to the team. I don’t want that. I don’t want to have offended anybody.’

Holland, 31, is in his first season in San Francisco after nine years with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox. He does have a good reputation within the league. In 2014 Holland started the 60 Feet 6 Foundation, which takes its name from the distance between the pitching rubber and home plate, and helps raise awareness and fund research for pediatric leukemia

Holland, 31, is in his first season in San Francisco after nine years with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox. He does have a good reputation within the league. In 2014 Holland started the 60 Feet 6 Foundation, which takes its name from the distance between the pitching rubber and home plate, and helps raise awareness and fund research for pediatric leukemia

Giants pitcher Derek Holland has apologized to team massage therapist Haro Ogawa and another Asian team employee for the skit, which many deemed offensive

Ogawa was described as Holland's 'hype man' in the skit

Giants pitcher Derek Holland (left) has apologized to team massage therapist Haro Ogawa (right) and another Asian team employee for the skit, which many deemed offensive

Holland said he also apologized to Ogawa and another Asian team employee for the skit.

‘They understand we were just doing a bit but it was too far,’ he said. ‘With that, I want to make sure that everybody understands that those were not the intentions. …

‘I apologize for what I have done. Whatever I have to do to take care of the situation, I will do it.’

Previously Holland wore a shirt that read ‘Ho Lee Chit’ while speaking with reporters.  

Holland, 31, is in his first season with the Giants after nine years spent between the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox.

Holland does have an otherwise good reputation within the league. In 2014 he started the 60 Feet 6 Foundation, which takes its name from the distance between the pitching rubber and home plate, and helps raise awareness and fund research for pediatric leukemia.  

Not everyone was surprised to see that Derek Holland offended people of Asian descent 

Not everyone was surprised to see that Derek Holland offended people of Asian descent 

MLB Network host and former pro baseball player Kevin Millar (center) yelled 'Konnichiwa!' during the bizarre interview, which Holland later apologized for 

MLB Network host and former pro baseball player Kevin Millar (center) yelled ‘Konnichiwa!’ during the bizarre interview, which Holland later apologized for 

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