Astros Players Contradict Jim Crane Over Sign-Stealing Blame

The Houston Astros solidified their roles as the villains of Major League Baseball with their bafflingly-unapologetic "apology" over the sign-stealing scandal that's rocked the MLB this offseason.

Stars Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman spoke for less than 90 seconds combined during a designated press conference, though both spoke with reporters afterward. Owner Jim Crane was the worst, however, wholeheartedly denying that sign-stealing played a factor in them winning the World Series in 2017 and placing all of the blame on former manager A.J. Hinch, GM Jeff Luhnow and the other leaders of the team.

Once the Astros opened up their locker room to the players for media availability, some players offered better statements of regret and actually accepted responsibility for their actions, completely contradicting Crane.

Yuli Gurriel, George Springer and Bregman said no one threatened their lives to use illegal means to steal signs in 2017. They had the choice to stop, but they didn't. The players stressed that the entire Astros team was responsible for willingly participating in the sign-stealing scheme, not just Carlos Beltran, Alex Cora, Hinch and Luhnow.

Then, there was Carlos Correa, who was the most honest person in the entire organization. Houston's shortstop was the only individual who publicly denied the team using electronic buzzers in the 2019 postseason, while his teammates all used the "Commissioner's Report didn't find anything" excuse.

He also said he wants to teach his family that cheating isn't the right way to achieve anything in life.

For real, Jim, why didn't you send out Correa for the press conference? It would've contained at least some semblance of accountability.

The statements from Gurriel, Springer, and Correa show Crane completely botched his apology, making him look even worse in the process.