MLB Reporter Apologizes After Embarrassingly Sharing False Shohei Ohtani Report

Getty Image

Veteran MLB reporter Jon Morosi has a bit of egg on his face.

On Friday afternoon, Morosi went viral when he reported that Ohtani was on a plane headed to Toronto days after he reported that the Blue Jays were a viable option to land the superstar ballplayer.

Sources: Shohei Ohtani is en route to Toronto today.

A representative of his agency, CAA, would not comment when asked about Ohtani’s travel plans.

At this hour, Ohtani does not have a signed agreement with any @MLB team. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 8, 2023

Other MLB reporters, including Bob Nightengale, immediately refuted Morosi’s report on social media, and it was eventually revealed that Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec was in the private plane in question and not Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani is NOT in Toronto.Ohtani is NOT on a flight to Toronto.Ohtani is at home in Southern California.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2023

Our CBC photographer Evan Mitsui is messaging me from Pearson Airport right now.

He confirms new reports that Ohtani was NOT on the private jet.

It was in fact carrying Canadian businessman Robert Herjavec and his family.

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) December 8, 2023

After getting crushed on social media over his false report, Morosi issued an apology on his Twitter/X page.

“Today, I posted reporting that included inaccurate information that Shohei Ohtani was traveling to Toronto. I regret the mistake and apologize to baseball fans everywhere. I am deeply sorry for letting you down.”

Today, I posted reporting that included inaccurate information that Shohei Ohtani was traveling to Toronto. I regret the mistake and apologize to baseball fans everywhere. I am deeply sorry for letting you down.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2023