Orioles Say Luke Scott's Comments Are His Alone

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --Controversial comments. The Orioles' Luke Scott is standing by his words. Earlier this week, he made remarks about President Obama that rubbed some fans the wrong way.

Mary Bubala reports on the reaction.

Scott told reporters he doesn't believe Barack Obama was born in the United States and thus shouldn't be president.

He went on to say, "The man has dodged everything. He dodges questions, he doesn't answer anything."

Fans are reacting to a player delving into the political arena.

"We do have the right of free speech," said Howard Fink of Baltimore. "People can say in this country, at least, anything they would like to say, although there will be a lot of people who will hate you for what you say. I think we all have the right to speak our minds, but sometimes we go a little too far. I think he went a little too far."

And fans reacted on WJZ.com.

"He will be labeled a racist and drummed out of baseball," Higgs said.

Matt wrote: "Well said, Luke! Glad you spoke your mind. At least a few people still do."

The Orioles will not punish Scott, but did issue this statement:

"Luke Scott's comments do not reflect the opinion of the Baltimore Orioles' organization.  The fact is that Barack Obama is our president, duly elected by the people of the United States. End of story."

But the story does have legs. On the Mark Viviano Show on WJZ.FM- 105.7 The Fan, the topic came up.

"He shouldn't have said it, just kept the comment to himself," said one caller.

Scott told<strong>WJZ's</strong> media partner The Baltimore Sun Thursday that he's always going to speak his mind, and he's not going to apologize for his comments.

Scott has been with the Orioles since 2008. This year he was voted the most valuable player on the team.