Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. takes accountability for controversial social media post criticizing team leadership, demonstrating professional maturity during his injury rehabilitation.
At a Glance
- Ronald Acuña Jr. publicly apologized to Braves manager Brian Snitker and teammates for criticizing perceived double standards in disciplinary actions
- The 2023 NL MVP’s social media controversy stemmed from frustration while recovering from ACL surgery and being unable to help his struggling team
- Acuña’s deleted tweet suggested he would have been benched for the same mistake that outfielder Jarred Kelenic made without consequences
- The Braves have turned their season around, going 21-15 after an 0-7 start, as they await Acuña’s return from rehabilitation
The Controversy Explained
The incident began in April when Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic failed to run at full speed, thinking he had hit a home run, and was subsequently thrown out at second base. When reporters asked manager Brian Snitker if he planned to discipline Kelenic, Snitker simply responded, “Was I supposed to?” This dismissive response triggered Acuña’s reaction on social media, where he posted in Spanish, “If it were me, they would take me out of the game.”
Acuña’s comment referenced a 2019 incident when Snitker benched him for not hustling on a play. At that time, Snitker was direct about the team’s standards, stating: “He didn’t run. You’ve got to run. It’s not going to be acceptable here. As a teammate, you’re responsible for 24 other guys and that name on the front is a lot more important than that name on the back of that jersey.”
Taking Responsibility
Acuña, who is currently rehabilitating from ACL surgery that ended his MVP season in 2023, addressed the team on May 14 to clear the air. Before meeting with the full team, he made sure to apologize to Snitker personally. The star outfielder acknowledged his error in judgment and attributed it to the frustration of being sidelined during the team’s early-season struggles.
“That was just a moment of frustration for me,” Acuña said via translator and Braves Director, Baseball Player Relations Franco García. “Thankfully, I was able to apologize to Snit. I was in the wrong. I shouldn’t have done that. But thankfully, I was able to apologize to Snit to his face, to apologize to my teammates. We’re just turning the page and moving on.”
Team Response and Moving Forward
Braves pitcher Bryce Elder indicated that the team has accepted Acuña’s apology and is ready to welcome him back. “He had a meeting with us and he handled it well. He did his part. That’s all you can ask for. We’re ready to have him back,” Elder said. This positive response suggests the controversy hasn’t created lasting tension within the clubhouse, allowing the team to focus on continuing their season turnaround.
Acuña has already begun his minor-league rehabilitation assignment with the Class AAA-Gwinnett team, hitting a home run in his first game. The timing couldn’t be better for the Braves, who have rebounded from their disastrous 0-7 start to compile a respectable 21-15 record since then. With their star player showing both physical progress and emotional maturity, Atlanta’s prospects for the remainder of the season appear increasingly positive.
Leadership Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of consistent leadership standards in professional sports. While some fans questioned whether Snitker applied different standards to different players, Acuña’s willingness to take full responsibility for his reaction demonstrates the accountability that has made him a team leader. His ability to acknowledge a mistake and address it directly with those affected reflects the type of character development that often separates great players from mere talents.
As the Braves continue their push to overcome their early-season struggles, Acuña’s return will provide both on-field production and a reminder that even star players must be accountable to team standards. For Atlanta fans, seeing their MVP handle this situation with maturity provides reassurance that the team’s culture remains strong despite the challenges of the 2025 season.
