In a surprising twist during the Baltimore Orioles' recent game against the Toronto Blue Jays, former MLB player Brian Roberts found himself in hot water after questioning the baseball knowledge of Canadian fans. His comments, made during the eighth inning of Friday's match, sparked backlash from players and fans alike.

The incident unfolded during a 6-1 loss for the Orioles at Rogers Centre. As fans booed a pickoff attempt by Orioles pitcher Shawn Dubin, Roberts and announcer Kevin Brown discussed the crowd's reaction. In a moment that would come back to haunt him, Roberts shared his concerns about the 'baseball IQ' of some Canadians, suggesting they might be more familiar with hockey than baseball.

Brown quickly realized the potential fallout, advising Roberts to tread lightly. "You’ve got to be really careful. I’d shut that down now, if I were you," he cautioned. Nevertheless, the comments had already sparked outrage.

Toronto infielder Ernie Clement expressed his disbelief, remarking, "I’m surprised that (Roberts) would say that. He played in this division against this team for a long time... it’s a shame that’s how he feels." He pointed out the strong attendance at Blue Jays games, contrasting it with the lower turnout in Baltimore.

Even Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defended the fanbase, calling them "the best fans in the world" and emphasizing their understanding of the game.

Initially, Roberts attempted to downplay the backlash, claiming his remarks were not meant as an insult but as a commentary on cultural differences concerning sports. "It was not meant to be an insult," he clarified, explaining that he was acknowledging his own unfamiliarity with hockey compared to Canadian fans.

However, by the following broadcast on Sunday, Roberts shifted his stance entirely. Midway through the game, he offered a heartfelt apology, stating, "I do want to apologize to Toronto fans for something I said on the air the other day. I definitely never, ever meant to cause anyone to feel I was disrespecting them at all." He emphasized his appreciation for playing in Toronto and hoped fans would accept his sincere apologies.

To lighten the mood, Brown quipped about Roberts' burgeoning political career, suggesting his comments could serve as a platform for a candidacy as prime minister of Canada.

Despite Roberts' later regrets, the timing was unfortunate. The Blue Jays went on to sweep the series against the Orioles, further solidifying their position at the top of the American League East as they charge toward the postseason.