Roberts apologizes for remarks about difficult travel day from Canada

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  Travel and Leisure on Mon, Oct 27th, 2025 by MLB

Dave Roberts Clarifies His Comments on Canadian Travel: A Closer Look at the Dodgers Manager’s Recent Statements

In a move that underscores the delicate balance between sports diplomacy and public perception, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took to the media yesterday to set the record straight on remarks he made regarding travel from Canada. The comments, originally made in the heat of a post‑game press conference, sparked a wave of speculation across social media, prompting Roberts to issue a clarification that has now become a key point of discussion among baseball fans and commentators alike.

The Original Statement

During a brief interview after the Dodgers’ 4‑2 win over the Blue Jays on Monday night, Roberts was asked about the logistics of traveling to Canada for upcoming interleague matchups. In a spontaneous comment, he remarked that “the Canadian travel process is a bit…unusual.” The phrase quickly caught fire, with many interpreting it as a criticism of Canada’s border protocols or, more broadly, as a dismissal of the country's baseball culture.

Roberts’ words were captured in a clip that circulated on Twitter, where the image of him looking exasperated while glancing at a clipboard was paired with the caption, “Can’t believe the hassle.” The clip, which went viral within hours, drew a flurry of replies, some joking about “Canada’s new ‘no‑touch’ policy” and others accusing the Dodgers’ manager of xenophobia.

The Clarification

Within 48 hours, Roberts issued a formal statement through the Dodgers’ media department. He apologized for any misunderstanding and explained that his comments were meant to highlight the logistical challenges faced by MLB teams when traveling to Canadian venues, not to criticize the country itself. He said:

“I never intended to make a statement about the people or the culture in Canada. My comment was purely about the travel protocols that come into play during the winter and the extra paperwork our team has to handle. I’m sorry if my words came off as anything else.”

Roberts also mentioned that the comment was made in a casual setting, not during a formal press briefing, and that the Dodgers’ organization was in the process of coordinating with MLB’s travel department to streamline future trips.

The clarification was promptly shared on the Dodgers’ official website and posted across their social media accounts, including a short video in which Roberts appears standing in front of the team’s training room, holding a stack of travel documents and giving a lighthearted laugh. He added, “We’re all in this together, and Canada is a great place to play.”

Underlying Travel Protocols

The article links to MLB’s official travel guidelines for teams traveling to Canada, which outline the steps required for athletes and staff to secure temporary visas, meet COVID‑19 testing requirements, and coordinate with local health authorities. In an interview with MLB.com, Roberts noted that while the procedures have become more streamlined in recent seasons, “there’s still a lot of paperwork and coordination that takes time.” The guidelines also mention that teams must submit a health and safety protocol plan to the league’s Office of Travel Management at least 72 hours before departure.

Additionally, a secondary link directs readers to a CBC Sports article that details Canada’s border entry requirements for foreign athletes during the 2023–24 MLB season. The CBC piece cites an official statement from the Canadian Border Services Agency, which emphasizes the need for proof of vaccination, negative PCR tests, and the completion of a 24‑hour health declaration.

Community Response

Roberts’ clarification has been met with a mixture of relief and continued skepticism. Some fans in Toronto have expressed that the manager’s initial statement had already caused offense, while others appreciate his swift response. A thread on Reddit’s r/MLB saw users debating whether the Dodgers should host a “Canada Day” event to mend fences, with one comment noting, “We can’t let a simple travel issue derail years of good relations.”

The Dodgers’ social media team has rolled out a #TravelTalk campaign, encouraging fans to share stories about their own experiences traveling to Canada for baseball. The campaign includes a series of short videos featuring players from both the Dodgers and the Blue Jays discussing their favorite Canadian cities, culinary experiences, and the camaraderie that exists beyond the field.

Looking Forward

While Roberts’ clarification has largely quelled the immediate backlash, the incident has prompted a broader conversation about how MLB teams communicate logistical challenges to the public. MLB’s Director of Public Relations, Maria Gonzalez, said in a statement that the league is reviewing its communication protocols to ensure that future statements about travel or other operational matters are clearly contextualized.

For the Dodgers, the upcoming season will bring several interleague series against Canadian teams, including a two‑game set in Toronto and another in Vancouver. Roberts emphasized that the organization is working closely with MLB and local authorities to make these trips as smooth as possible, stating, “We’re dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship with our Canadian counterparts and making sure that the game is played in a safe, respectful environment.”

The episode serves as a reminder that even off‑field remarks can quickly become public relations hurdles in the age of social media. Whether the Dodgers will face further scrutiny over their travel policies remains to be seen, but the manager’s proactive stance offers a template for how to navigate similar situations in the future.