'I will learn from this': MLB umpire issues apology for 'CIVAL WAR' tweet

Backlash soon followed, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that they would be looking into the tweet. The Umpires Association also weighed in, saying, “Rob is a passionate individual and an outstanding umpire. He chose the wrong way to convey his opinion about our great country. His posting does not represent the view of the MLBUA or reflect those of the umpires we represent.”

Responding to several assertions that Drake’s comments advocated for violence against political opponents, the 50-year-old umpire offered clarification in his now-private Twitter account: “I never intended to diminish the threat of violence from assault weapons, or violence of any kind. I know that I cannot unsay the words, but please accept my apologies.”

“I want to personally apologize to everyone that my words made feel less safe,” Drake said. “I especially want to apologize to every person who has been affected by gun violence in our country. I also acknowledge and apologize for the controversy that has brought to Major League Baseball, my fellow umpires, and my family. I never intended to diminish the threat of violence from assault weapons, or violence of any kind.”

“I’m going to learn from this,” he continued. “Once I read what I had tweeted I realized the violence in those words and have since deleted it. I know that I cannot unsay the words, but please accept my sincerest apologies.”

Drake has worked as an umpire within the MLB organization since 1999. As a full-time member of the regular Major League season squad since 2010, Drake did not participate in the 2019 MLB postseason.