Dan “Big Cat” Katz is walking back part of his viral critique of FOX Sports MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, although not entirely abandoning the opinion that sparked widespread conversation earlier this week.
During Wednesday’s episode of Pardon My Take, the Barstool Sports personality addressed the blunt comments he delivered following the World Baseball Classic, offering context for the tone while also drawing a clear line on what he does and does not regret. Katz acknowledged that his remarks, which quickly circulated across sports media circles, may have gone further than intended in the moment. Especially given the circumstances under which they were made late at night after a long stretch of coverage.
“I went a little hard at Ken Rosenthal,” Katz said. “Looking back, I was a little harsh. It was kind of a stream of consciousness thing, and I don’t really know him. He could stay in baseball.”
Although Katz softened his stance regarding Rosenthal’s place in the sport, he stopped short of issuing a full apology. Instead choosing to clarify that his initial frustration was rooted more in reaction than sustained criticism. The adjustment came after hearing from multiple individuals within the industry, including people whose perspectives he said he values and trusts, who vouched for Rosenthal’s character and professionalism.
“Two guys I trust reached out and said he’s a good guy,” Katz explained. “People I respect. I’m still going to think he’s a jerk, but he can stay in baseball. Congrats to Ken Rosenthal — he’s officially staying in baseball.”
The partial reversal/apology marks a notable shift from Katz’s earlier comments, which included a pointed suggestion that Rosenthal should not remain involved in the sport. Albeit likely tongue-in-cheek, those remarks drew attention not only because of their tone, but also because they referenced a prior on-field incident involving Rosenthal that had already generated public scrutiny.
Katz also addressed the reaction to his comments across baseball and media circles. He said several people reached out to defend Rosenthal afterward. Katz joked that he helped rally support. The outreach appeared to influence him to slightly recalibrate his message.
“I don’t want to take credit, but a lot of people came to your defense,” Katz said. “I’m not apologizing for the ‘jerk’ part. I’m just apologizing for saying he has to leave baseball.”
Despite the attention surrounding the situation, Katz indicated that neither Rosenthal nor anyone from FOX Sports contacted him directly about the remarks. He also acknowledged that Rosenthal would be justified in taking issue with the criticism, given how directly it was delivered.
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