Reds slam Johnny Bench’s ‘insensitive’ joke, ‘denounce antisemitism’

The Cincinnati Reds condemned an antisemitic comment made by Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench during a team event last week to honor former general manager Gabe Paul. 

Bench made a comment about Paul, who is Jewish, that the team called “insensitive” in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday, and added that don’t “condone this type of language for humor or any other intent.”

It comes four days after Bench made the comments during a news conference with Paul’s daughter, Jennie in attendance. Paul died in 1998. 

“The Reds have spoken to Johnny who expressed sincere regret over what he said,” the team said in its statement.

“His comments do not reflect the values of the Reds organization.”

The Reds added that they “denounce antisemitism” and are “committed to promoting positive change and inclusivity by bringing people together around the game of baseball and making sure our ballpark welcomes everyone.”

Bench’s comments came toward the end of the news conference when Pete Rose recalled the first contract Paul signed him to.

The all-time hits leader said that he was signed to a deal that was worth $400 a month. 

“That cheap, never mind,” Paul’s daughter, Jennie, retorted. 

That prompted Bench to jump in and say, “he was Jewish.” 

The comment quickly drew attention away from the event, and on Monday, Bench released a statement apologizing for his comment. 

“I recognize my comment was insensitive,” Bench said. “I apologized to Jennie for taking away from her father the full attention he deserves.

“Gabe Paul earned his place in the Reds Hall of Fame, same as the others who stood on that stage, I am sorry that some of the focus is on my inappropriate remark instead of solely on Gabe’s achievement.”