After appearing in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, Brewers pitcher Josh Hader faced public scrutiny when several of his old tweets from 2011 and 2012 resurfaced. The tweets contained racist, sexist, and homophobic language. Hader quickly addressed the controversy, calling his past posts “immature and inexcusable,” and Major League Baseball responded by requiring sensitivity training and diversity education.
Here are some of the tweets that led to the backlash:
1. “Need a…”
Date: April 12, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“Need a b**** that can f***, cook, clean right”
A sexist remark that reduces women to sexual and domestic roles. This kind of language added to the backlash over Hader’s resurfaced tweets.
2. “When I…”
Date: March 28, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“When I f***, she let her p**** soak”
A graphic sexual tweet that was part of a pattern of crude content from Hader’s old posts. It contributed to the outrage over the explicit and disrespectful tone of the tweets.
3. “Trayvon Tweet Sparks New Backlash”
Date: January 10, 2016
Source: @jhader17
Hey #Trayvon peeps, rally all you want, he ain’t comin’ back. Perhaps u should rally for the real innocent ppl being gunned down in Chicago
This tweet referencing Trayvon Martin was seen as dismissive and insensitive. Critics viewed it as downplaying a national conversation about racial justice. It resurfaced alongside other controversial posts and contributed to further public criticism of Hader’s social media history.
4. “What the…”
Date: April 17, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“What the f***?”
One of the shorter tweets, but still reflects the unfiltered and aggressive tone that defined many of Hader’s older posts.
5. “Trying to…”
Date: May 2, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“I’m just trying to f***”
A blunt tweet with crude language that reflects the overall tone of many of Hader’s early posts.
6. “Face Down…”
Date: May 13, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“Face down, ass up… That’s the way we like to f***. There’s some hoes in this house. I’m trying f***.”
This post combines graphic language and a line from a popular song, using it to make a sexually explicit remark.
7. “Keep a Hard D***…”
Date: February 24, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“Keep a hard dick for your girlfriend to wobble on”
A crude sexual comment, continuing the pattern of provocative and offensive language found throughout the account.
8. “Bouncing Like a Seesaw”
Date: May 8, 2012
Source: @jhader17
“Had her bouncing on my dick like a seesaw”
A vulgar post with a sexual metaphor, representative of the tone and content of several other tweets from the same period.
What Happened Next?
Hader apologized publicly, acknowledging his responsibility. “There’s no excuse for what was said,” he told reporters. “That doesn’t reflect on who I am as a person today.”
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader had just pitched in the 2018 All-Star Game when the tweets surfaced. He found out in the clubhouse as his phone lit up with messages. The league quickly took action—Major League Baseball required him to attend sensitivity training and take part in diversity and inclusion programs. The Brewers also released a statement condemning the comments but emphasizing that Hader’s behavior in the organization had shown growth and accountability.
Source: https://x.com/JAguilarMKE/status/1019639195478962176
Teammates like Lorenzo Cain and Jesús Aguilar responded with mixed emotions. Cain noted the importance of understanding the context and moving forward. Aguilar tweeted, “He made a mistake 7 years ago… He learned from it… He’s a great player and a better person.”
Source: https://x.com/JAguilarMKE/status/1019639437800730625
At the time, Hader was still early in his MLB career, having been drafted by the Orioles in 2012 out of high school. He explained that the tweets dated back to when he was 17 and said, “We all make mistakes. I’m ready for any consequences.”
Conclusion
Josh Hader’s old tweets brought serious criticism and forced both him and the league to respond publicly. While he accepted responsibility and completed the required sensitivity training, the situation highlighted how past social media activity can affect public perception, regardless of the time passed. The incident also showed how teammates, fans, and the league can approach accountability, growth, and public discussion around personal conduct.
