Josh Reddick has publicly stated that he, Jose Altuve, and Tony Kemp were not involved in the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-cheating system. In an interview with ESPN, Reddick said: “I want everyone to understand: I, Jose Altuve, and Tony Kemp were not involved in the sign-cheating system. We were players, but we never violated the rules of the game that way. I saw it, but I didn’t do it, and I’m proud of the way we played.” This statement immediately shocked the MLB community, as the scandal has haunted fans and the media for many years.
The sign-hacking incident once resulted in the Houston Astros being fined by MLB, losing their draft options, and facing heavy criticism from the public. Since then, the individual roles of each player have been the subject of debate. Reddick’s assertion puts added pressure on Altuve and Kemp, who have been suspected of involvement in the cheating. He emphasized: “I don’t want to be misunderstood as complicit. We play to win — but always respect the rules.”
Immediately after Reddick spoke out, fans on Twitter, Reddit, and MLB forums erupted in controversy. Some cheered: “Finally the truth! Josh Reddick came forward and said this. Altuve and Kemp deserve to be cleared.” Meanwhile, many remained skeptical: “The hack is so big, can someone stay out of it and not get caught?” Despite the controversy, Reddick’s words certainly opened up a new perspective on the role of the Astros’ center fielders.
Reddick admits that speaking out was not easy. He explained: “Many people think I will keep quiet. But the public deserves to know the truth. I want to protect my reputation and my teammates are not involved.” This is not only an act of personal protection, but also a step to help fans, the media and MLB have a fairer view of Altuve and Kemp.
With this statement, experts predict that MLB may review old records and evidence, and Astros fans will be divided into two opinions: trust or doubt. The next interviews with Altuve and Kemp will certainly receive special attention. Although nearly eight years have passed, the 2017 scandal has not cooled down, and Josh Reddick’s words today may be the last important piece to properly recognize the role of each player in this shocking incident.
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