Major League Baseball and the Astros both released statements prior to Game 1 of the World Series regarding a Sports Illustrated article published Monday night that detailed an inappropriate outburst by Houston assistant general manager Brandon Taubman in the Astros clubhouse following the ALCS-clinching victory on Saturday night.

“This past Saturday, during our clubhouse celebration, I used inappropriate language for which I am deeply sorry and embarrassed," Taubman said in a statement released by the Astros. "In retrospect, I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate. My overexuberance in support of a player has been misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude about an important social issue. Those that know me know that I am a progressive and charitable member of the community, and a loving and committed husband and father. I hope that those who do not know me understand that the Sports Illustrated article does not reflect who I am or my values. I am sorry if anyone was offended by my actions.”

According to the Sports Illustrated story, Taubman aggressively and profanely proclaimed his support for Astros closer Roberto Osuna in an outburst directed at a group of female reporters. Houston acquired Osuna in the summer of 2018 while he was serving a 75-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy. The SI report was corroborated by several other witnesses.

Major League Baseball followed with a statement of its own, indicating that the situation will be further investigated.

“Domestic violence is extraordinarily serious and everyone in baseball must use care to not engage in any behavior -- whether intentional or not -- that could be construed as minimizing the egregiousness of an act of domestic violence. We became aware of this incident through the Sports Illustrated article. The Astros have disputed Sports Illustrated’s characterization of the incident. MLB will interview those involved before commenting further.”

Houston owner Jim Crane was also quoted in the Astros’ release, which was the club’s second statement on the matter. On Monday night, the club issued an initial statement that refuted Sports Illustrated’s report.

“The Astros continue to be committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence," Crane said in the second statement. "We not only ensure mandatory training annually for all of our employees, we have also created an important partnership with the Texas Council on Family Violence, and have raised over $300K through our initiatives to help various agencies providing important support for this cause. We fully support MLB and baseball’s stance and values regarding domestic violence.”