{
  "id": 15152120,
  "title": "“Certain Fans of Shohei Ohtani Can’t Be Rational” – LA Radio Host Defends Dodgers Analyst After Backlash For Criticising $700M Star",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/certain-fans-of-shohei-ohtani-cant-be-rational-la-radio-host-defends",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:53:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/certain-fans-shohei-ohtani-t-075331367.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles radio host Bill Reiter defended Dodgers analyst Doug McKain after backlash for criticizing superstar Shohei Ohtani's handling of injuries during the 2026 postseason. Reiter argued that some fans struggle to have rational, nuanced discussions about exceptional athletes, comparing the intense support for stars like Ohtani to the fan cultures surrounding other major sports figures.\n\nIn a post on X following the Dodgers' Game 3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, McKain expressed concern that Ohtani's continued playing despite injury could have jeopardized the team's chances of winning a third consecutive World Series title. The Dodgers finished the regular season with a 100-62 record but were swept by Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series.\n\nOhtani struggled offensively in the postseason, posting a .275 batting average with 30 home runs, 81 RBIs, and an .889 OPS while dealing with injury concerns. McKain's criticism came as the Dodgers lost the series 3-0, ending their postseason run. After facing backlash, Reiter argued that McKain's points were reasonable and legitimate, stating that the response to his criticism said more about the people attacking him than his initial comments.",
  "summary": "Los Angeles radio host Bill Reiter has defended Dodgers analyst Doug McKain after his criticism of Shohei Ohtani sparked backlash. Reiter argued that some fans struggle to discuss superstar athletes objectively.",
  "key_points": [
    "Radio host Bill Reiter defended Doug McKain after backlash.",
    "McKain criticized Shohei Ohtani's injury handling during 2026 postseason.",
    "Reiter argued fans' inability to have rational discussions about exceptional athletes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}