A Michigan baseball player found himself at the center of controversy after celebrating a big hit with a gesture that mimicked drug use.
During the bottom of the second inning, outfielder Mitch Voit stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded as the Michigan Wolverines led 2-0. Seizing the moment, Voit delivered a crucial three-RBI triple, putting the opposing USC Trojans in an early deficit.
After sliding safely into third base, Voit noticed the white chalk marking the foul line. In a move that quickly gained attention, he bent down and pretended to snort the chalk, imitating the use of cocaine. The celebration, which was caught on camera, quickly circulated on social media, sparking mixed reactions. While some found humor in the act, others strongly criticized it, prompting Voit to issue a public apology.
“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on third base yesterday. In the heat of the moment, I made an immature decision,” Voit stated. “The gesture I made does not reflect my character, my upbringing, or the values of the Michigan Wolverines. I take full responsibility for what I did, and I deeply regret any negative impact my actions may have had.”
Voit has been a standout two-way player for Michigan over the past two seasons, demonstrating his skill both on the mound and at the plate. This season, he has been on a hot streak, boasting an impressive .451 batting average with a 1.393 OPS in 19 games. Additionally, his six stolen bases have already surpassed his total from last season.
Beyond his offensive prowess, Voit has also been a defensive anchor, maintaining a .995 fielding percentage since the previous season. Despite this recent controversy, his contributions remain a key asset for the Wolverines.