Former MLB slugger Ken Griffey Jr. has always been revered as one of the more likeable players for his trademark smile and all-around desire to have fun on and off the diamond during his baseball career, that's what made his interview with ESPN Wednesday so hard to watch. Griffey was sullen and somber in an interview with ESPN's Linda Cohn, delivering a cringe-worthy and awkward interview on ESPN's SportsCenter.
Griffey, who joined the veteran anchor on the show in an appearance for Upper Deck, the company responsible for his famous rookie card that is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, seemed lifeless and lethargic as Cohn interviewed him on the program.
The 13-time All-Star looked miserable from the time Cohn excitedly welcomed him to the show, keeping his answers short and simple at first.
When asked if he had a favorite card growing up he said, "Yeah one, my dad." When asked if there was anyone else, he simply said, "Nope," before expanding awkwardly on the topic.
Griffey, who barely flashed his trademark smile throughout the interview and spent 22 years in the majors, 13 of which were with the Seattle Mariners before moving to the Cincinnati Reds having a stint with the White Sox and then heading back to the Mariners again prior to retirement, said he believed that the Mariners have done well this offseason, especially with the inclusion of newly imported second baseman Robinson Cano.
"They're committed," Griffey said. "Anytime you can get that kind of talent it speaks volumes."
Cohn said afterwards on Twitter that the interview was "a waste" and seemed to be upset with Griffey:
What a waste. @realBIGjame
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) March 5, 2014
Is life really that bad for Ken Griffey Jr right now? Smell the roses Ken ! @Bobby_Valencia_ — Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) March 5, 2014
For a guy who wants to be known for his smile he has a strange way of showing it. #kengriffeyjr @J2theMo13
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) March 5, 2014
Cohn then shared that Griffey apologized for his poor interview and revealed that she forgave him:
Just got off phone w Ken Griffey Jr. He apologized sincerely for how he came across in @SportsCenter int. I accepted his apology. — Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) March 5, 2014
Griffey took to his Instagram account to explain why the interview was so awkward and to apologize publicly to Cohn and ESPN:
"I want to apologize to Linda for the way things went today. I was in the middle of a cough attack and felt a little ill and didn't want to walk off the set. Linda has always been professional to me and my family . I'm sorry, Junior @espn @sportcenter @lindacohn"
Griffey, who is one of the more famous baseball icons from the early '90s and hit 630 homers in his Hall of Fame-worthy career, didn't quite come off as a future Hall of Famer in his interview on Wednesday.
Was Griffey's interview that bad? Tell us on Twitter: @SportsWN, @MikeSmollins
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