Boston Red Sox
“I didn’t even know who that was until this morning… And I’m still not going to remember who he is after today.”
Will Flemming (center) has landed in hot water for his comments on Sunday. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
WEEI broadcaster Will Flemming took to social media on Monday to apologize for his heated comments during the Red Sox’ series-ending setback against the Yankees on Sunday.
But, Flemming’s response on social media hasn’t stopped him from drawing the ire of several Yankees players after the longtime broadcaster suggested that Boston should “drill” a New York player amid a 16-1 blowout loss.
During that lopsided setback in the Bronx, Flemming took umbrage at Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. stealing a pair of bases in the eighth inning, with New York holding a 7-1 lead at the time.
Flemming called Chisholm a “bush-league” player after he swiped second and third in a six-run game, adding that Red Sox pitcher Jovani Morán should “drill” Yankees catcher Austin Wells with a pitch and start a fight with Chisholm as the inning went on.
Red Sox radio broadcaster Will Flemming says Boston’s pitcher should drill Austin Wells and fight Jazz Chisholm Jr. because he thinks Chisholm is a “bush league player” that “doesn’t play the game the right way” pic.twitter.com/wtXivJobxG
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 31, 2026
On Monday, Flemming apologized for his comments on X.
“Since I have been receiving nonstop calls and threats,” he posted, “I felt like it was important to hop back on here and say: My comments during yesterday’s broadcast crossed a line. I’m emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast.”
“I meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization,” Flemming added in a second post. “I could and should have used different words. These rivalry games get me fired up; I apologize for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of me.”
I meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization. I could and should have used different words. These rivalry games get me fired up; I apologize for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of me.
— Will Flemming (@WillFlemming) August 31, 2026
Flemming’s online mea culpa didn’t exactly resonate with a few current and former Yankees.
In a reply to an Instagram post highlighting Flemming’s apology, Yankees pitcher and noted Red Sox antagonist Cam Schlittler posted an emoji of a clown, which ex-Yankees ace CC Sabathia followed up with an emoji of a raised middle finger.
Speaking ahead of New York’s road series against the Angels, New York manager Aaron Boone said that he told Chisholm to steal those two bases during that eighth inning due to Boston’s defensive alignment and added that he spoke to Flemming.
“I talked to Will today and he did [apologize],” Boone said, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “So I appreciate that. I know him a little bit. I know his brother [Dave Flemming] really well, and I’ve had nothing but good interactions with him and know he loves the game and understands, too, that he crossed the line.
“So again, for me, now that’s water under the bridge, and I certainly accept that apology and don’t really have any ill will towards that.”
Chisholm, however, didn’t hold back when asked about Flemming’s comments.
“They’re called unwritten rules because you’re not really breaking any rules,” Chisholm said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. “You’ve seen teams … do the same thing where they’re pouring on runs. We didn’t have nothing to say or nothing to do about it. That’s just showing how unprofessional he is.”
Chisholm said he didn’t want to hear an apology from Flemming after the incident.
“I didn’t even know who that was until this morning… And I’m still not going to remember who he is after today,” the Yankees infielder noted.
The Red Sox and Yankees won’t meet again during the regular season. But, the teams appear to be on a collision course in the American League Wild Card round for the second year in a row this fall.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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