Yuli Gurriel once revealed why he had uttered an offensive slur about Yu Darvish, apologizing for his ignorance

In October 2017, former Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel apologized for his ignorant gesture against San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish, which stemmed from his childhood. Back then, Darvish was playing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Apparently, an embarrassing incident occurred during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series when Yuli made a slant-eyed motion and chuckled after hitting a home run against Darvish. Later, upon realizing his racially offensive stance towards Darvish, Yuli issued an apology.

“Yesterday I was commenting that I’d never had any success against Darvish, and the gesture was saying that I wish he would look at me like one of them and maybe he’d throw me an easy pitch so I can do something,. At no point did I mean that in an offensive way. On the contrary, I’ve always had a lot of respect for them," said Yuli.

He added:

“In Cuba and in other places, we call all Asian people Chinese. But I played in Japan and I know they find that offensive, so I apologize for that. I know they don’t like it.’’

Yuli Gurriel facing possible suspension for getting racist about Yu Darvish: deadspin.com/yuli-gurriel-t… https://t.co/Y3WcYbYSZP

"Yuli Gurriel facing possible suspension for getting racist about Yu Darvish." - Deadspin

Consequently, Yuli was suspended by MLB for five games without pay during the 2018 regular season for his racist gesture.

Yu Darvish found Yuli Gurriel's slant-eye gesture "disrespectful"

World Series - Houston Astros v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Seven: LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Yu Darvish #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout after being relieved during the second inning against the Houston Astros in game seven of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish was asked about Yuli Gurriel's slant-eye gesture after Game 3 of the World Series 2017 was over and the Japanese MLB star referred to it as "disrespectful."

Yu Darvish is aware of Yuli Gurriel’s gesture. Said it was “disrespectful.” “I’m sure the Astros have Asian fans too”

"Yu Darvish is aware of Yuli Gurriel’s gesture." - Bill Plunkett

Darvish also took to Twitter to express his opinion on the incident.

"No one is perfect. What he had done today isn't right but I believe we should put our effort into learning rather than to accuse him," read a part of Darvish's tweet.

https://t.co/2e2JJLg821

Kudos to Yu for taking the high road!