Former Major League Baseball pitcher turned Atlanta Braves broadcaster CJ Nitkowski found himself at the center of another viral controversy this week after making uneasy remarks during the Braves’ Thursday game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Braves right fielder Eli White had just rejoined the starting lineup following paternity leave, and while expressing his happiness for White’s new arrival, Nitkowski used wording that unsettled some viewers.
“Congratulations to Eli on (child) No. 3,” Nitkowski said. “I was trying to talk him into more kids already when we were in San Diego. Him and his wife they’re just such great people.
“I said, ‘We need more great people in this world. Some more Whites, the better off we’re going to be.’”
Although Nitkowski was aiming his remarks at White’s family name, the choice of phrasing prompted online observers to take issue with the Braves analyst’s wording. The clip quickly gained traction on the r/baseball subreddit, with criticism directed at Nitkowski extending beyond the moment recorded on the broadcast.
NBA Drama Unmatched: TV Broadcaster Let Go After Girlfriend Alleges He Cheated with Sister of Player
DaBaby, A Boogie Among Black Rappers Slapped with ‘High Risk’ Label from Madison Square Garden
Back in 2018, Nitkowski drew attention for his activity on Twitter when followers noticed he was following an account run by the Proud Boys—a far-right group that has been tied to white supremacy movements in the United States; the former pitcher also liked a post from that account.
During the 2018 uproar, Nitkowski, then part of the Texas Rangers’ broadcast crew, insisted he did not recognize the Proud Boys as a hate group, according to Awful Announcing.
“I have never seen anything from that account that suggested they were a hate group,” Nitkowski stated in 2018. “If I did, I wouldn’t follow them or any account. If a group wants to label a Twitter account a hate group, they can certainly do that, but their opinion means nothing to me.”
“I think for myself. The notion that anyone would be outraged by a tweet liked by someone they don’t know is now the most ridiculous thing Twitter has to offer.”
The Proud Boys have remained in the spotlight during Donald Trump’s two terms as president. Members linked to the group were prosecuted and sentenced for involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, though Trump granted several of them pardons when he returned to the White House in 2025.
After the backlash to his 2018 Twitter activity, Nitkowski eventually unfollowed the Proud Boys and described it as a mistake. He also took a hiatus from using the platform for a time.
Chances are this time around will not demand a similar move, but the episode serves as another reminder to think carefully about what, and sometimes how, you say things while on live television.
