Sports Illustrated Issues Statement After Astros Question SI's Reporting

Sports Illustrated released a statement on Tuesday after the Astros questioned the accuracy of an SI story published Monday. 

Last night, the Houston Astros released a statement calling into question the accuracy of a report by Sports Illustrated’s Stephanie Apstein on a scene she witnessed in the locker room during the Astros’ ALCS-clinching celebration. Sports Illustrated unequivocally stands behind Apstein, her reporting and the story, which was subsequently corroborated by several other media members present at the scene. Any implication that SI or any of its journalists would ‘fabricate’ a story in its detail or intent is both disappointing and completely inexcusable.

Apstein's story detailed an outburst by Houston assistant general manager Brandon Taubman after the Astros clinched the American League pennant last weekend. Apstein reported that Taubman turned to three female reporters during the postgame clubhouse celebration and yelled several times, "Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f------ glad we got Osuna!”

Roberto Osuna, Houston's closer, was accused of domestic violence in 2018, when he played for the Blue Jays. Prosecutors dropped the charges, but MLB suspended him 75 games. The Astros traded for Osuna in July of that year. 

The Astros declined to comment before SI published its story, but in a statement released after publication, the team called the article "misleading" and accused SI of attempting to "fabricate a story." The Astros did not deny Taubman's comments, but said he was "supporting the player during a difficult time." 

Osuna gave up a two-run home run to Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu in the top of the ninth inning, tying the game at four runs apiece. But José Altuve's home run in the bottom of the ninth won Game 6 for the Astros, sending them back to the World Series. 

Multiple other outlets—including the Houston Chronicle and Yahoo! Sports—have corroborated SI's reporting.