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Kansas City Royals second baseman and outfielder Whit Merrifield apologized Friday for comments made earlier Toronto Tour of Kansas City Explaining the reason for not getting a COVID-19 vaccine before the All-Star break.
Merrifield was one of them 10 Kansas City Players Unable to travel to Toronto due to lack of vaccination.
Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield watches from the dugout during the second inning of the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on July 11, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“I’m sorry I poorly expressed the point I was trying to make,” Merrifield said.
“It’s an uncomfortable topic, and I started running and trying to make a point about my passion for winning that had nothing to do with the topic that was being discussed. I really had to have regret.
Royals President Says ‘Sorry’ for Comments Made While Explaining Vaccine Decision
“I didn’t say people misunderstood it, I poorly expressed the point I was trying to say,” Merrifield said. “If what stood between me and the playoffs was this vaccine, I would consider getting it. I didn’t say I’d get it for another team or not get it for this team. It’s only this There was a point about showing how I attach great importance to playing in the playoffs.”
The two-time All-Star found himself He was in hot water when he explained his decision to go without vaccination when he insisted that if he was on a team in playoff contention, he might consider getting the vaccine.
Andrew Benintendi of the Kansas City Royals talks to teammate Whit Merrifield during a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 6, 2022 in Houston.
(Logan Reilly/Getty Images)
“This is what, based on experiences and conversations and what I’ve seen, that’s the conclusion I’ve come to,” Merrifield said. “Right or wrong. I didn’t do it voluntarily. It’s been a long thought process because, again, I understand what’s in canada immediately. That’s what I would think of getting it at this point. to go to Canada.
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“It could change the road. If something happens, and I get a chance to join a team that has a chance to play in Canada in the post season, that might change. But, as we Sitting here now, I am comfortable with my decision. My comrades support me and the rest of the people here who have taken the same decision. And that is it.”
Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals during an at-bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 3, 2022 in Detroit.
(Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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The comments were from Merrifield for the first time in front of a home audience on Friday, and Merrifield told reporters she was open to any response. from the Kansas City faithful,
“Whatever the reaction, it’s something I have to deal with,” Merrifield said. “But these people here know me and know what I am about and how much I care about them.
“That every time I have stepped into the field and gotten through the lines I have given him everything I had every day. If people felt the need to express their feelings towards me, So that’s all right.”
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Merrifield was greeted with a mix of excitement and enthusiasm on Friday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report