Dodgers manager apologizes for accusing Canada of intentional flight delay: "I love Canada"

Yesterday, the Dodgers’ flight returning from Toronto to Los Angeles was delayed by several hours, leading manager Dave Roberts to wonder if the delay was intentional, causing some debate. Today, before the third World Series game, Roberts issued an apology and expressed, "I love Canada."

The Dodgers were originally scheduled to begin practice at their home stadium in Los Angeles at 5 p.m. local time, but the entire team only arrived hurriedly near that time. Yesterday, Roberts told the media, "The flight was delayed a bit, and I don’t know if it was on purpose. International travel is tough, but we still made it back."

These remarks stirred considerable controversy. When asked about it today, Roberts responded with a wry smile, "I shouldn’t have used the word ‘deliberate.’ I love Canada, and I shouldn’t have said that. It was a long day, a long trip. I’m very grateful to be in the World Series. I regret using the word ‘deliberate’ and sincerely apologize."

In fact, Roberts had already clarified during an interview with The Athletic yesterday that he shouldn’t have said "deliberate." He speculated the delay was likely due to the size of the team: "The whole process was very long, largely because we have such a big group and needed four planes. International travel involves passport checks, airport security, and all that affects timing."

Regarding conspiracy theories mentioning Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s prediction that the Blue Jays would win the series in six games, Roberts made it clear yesterday: "I know the Prime Minister isn’t concerned with petty things like airport security or aviation authorities deliberately delaying our flight." He added, "Canada was not trying to sabotage the Dodgers, that much I’m sure of; it was just a long day."