May 7, 2012

(JTA) — Delmon Young, the Detroit Tigers outfielder arrested in New York for allegedly attacking a group of men and making anti-Semitic remarks, apologized for his actions after a week-long suspension was lifted.

During a pregame interview with reporters on May 5, Young apologized to his teammates, the Tigers organization, the victim’s family, Major League Baseball, friends, family and fans, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Saying he had a “lapse in judgment,” Young added that “I just want to let everybody know that I’m not anti-Semitic. I wasn’t raised that way, came from a good family, and we weren’t taught any of that, especially growing up in a diverse area.”

He said the incident occurred because he had too much to drink, and that he was currently enrolled in an alcohol treatment program.

Young is facing a misdemeanor aggravated harassment hate crime charge stemming from the April 27 incident outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where the Tigers were staying before the start of a series with the New York Yankees that night. He is scheduled to appear in court in New York on May 29 and faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

According to reports, a group of tourists staying at the hotel were approached by a panhandler wearing a yarmulke. Young yelled anti-Semitic epithets at the group. Young also reportedly shoved one of the men, who sustained minor injuries.
 

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