Max Kellerman only digs a deeper hole with Albert Pujols apology

ESPN’s Max Kellerman issued an apology for what many in the media deemed irresponsible commentary about Albert Pujols.

However, Kellerman issued an apology in his own way, suggesting others twisted his words or took them out of context.

That wasn’t the case, and as we wrote on Tuesday, Kellerman was awfully close to insinuating that Pujols made his recent leap statistically thanks to illegal means.

“We showed video of Albert Pujols as he chases 700 home runs,” Kellerman said. “I commented that he seemed to be hitting the ball much better than he has in a long time.”

Kellerman, of course, said much more than that. He made sarcastic comments about how Pujols had suddenly rediscovered the “fountain of youth” and had been working harder this year than in seasons past. Considering his sarcastic manner, it was fair to wonder if Kellerman knew something others did not.

Max Kellerman apologizes to Albert Pujols…sort of

“Some, including Albert, inferred that my curiosity as to how he was achieving this recent level of success could only mean that he was benefiting from something other than a lot of hard work, practice and his natural ability. For that, I apologize to Albert and the Cardinals’ organization,” Kellerman said.

His curiosity was fairly blatant disregard for the hard work Pujols actually has put in. I wonder how viewers could have taken Kellerman’s words the wrong way? Maybe it was this line, in particular:

"“Bartender, I’ll have whatever he’s having! This is unbelievable. He sure has turned back the clock…how does a player turn back the clock like this? I guess it’s willpower and practice. All these years between then and now he hasn’t been practicing, apparently.”"

Kellerman would go on to reference Barry Bonds — though not in the same breath.