ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has issued an apology and admitted he "screwed up" with his comments earlier in the day about Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani and his impact on the popularity of Major League Baseball.

"As an African-American, keenly aware of the damage stereotyping has done to many in this country, it should have elevated my sensitivities even more," Smith wrote in a statement posted to social media.

"Based on my words, I failed in that regard and it's on me and me alone! Ohtani is one of the brightest stars in all of sports. He is making a difference, as it pertains to inclusiveness and leadership. I should have embraced that in my comments. Instead, I screwed up."