Nothing says being truly remorseful and actually being sorry than memorizing talking points from a script. That’s the impression Addison Russell gave off during his press conference Friday afternoon in Mesa at Cubs camp.
The nearly 20-minute presser featured Russell not getting into many details of his domestic abuse, but repeatedly saying he’s committed to becoming a better person. Many of the answers to questions just seemed like Russell was remembering his lines.
We’re talking about a guy who was suspended 40 games by MLB for domestic violence and all he was able to come up with was I’m trying to get better.
And I get it, the Cubs obviously coached up Russell and went over what to say and what not to say, but when you’re addressing the topic of domestic violence, having your entire apology seem scripted doesn’t convey any actual feelings of sincerity.
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Addison Russell just met media for ~20 minutes. Seemed to have a few points he was prepared to say & never got into specifics abt what he did or fully admitted to exactly what happened. Being committed to being a better person & not being proud of person he was came up frequently
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 15, 2019
If you're going to recite from a script, at least work on it enough to make it sound natural.
— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) February 15, 2019
Cmon #cubs Addison Russell no one speaks in the sentences you are using right now! You sound like a high school student that just memorised his first speech!
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) February 15, 2019
Addison Russell just wrapped up unusual press conference in Arizona, a 20-minute exercise that sounded more rehearsed than sincere. It was as if Russell was taking signals from a third-base coach. He probably did enough to keep job but–and I wasn't there–hardly sounded natural.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) February 15, 2019
You can see the entire press conference below.
Addison Russell addresses the media from spring training. https://t.co/scnU190ZGr
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) February 15, 2019
Advice for Addison Russell. Don’t ever try to get into public speaking.
