Mets Announcer Howie Rose Under Fire Joke About Ingrid Andress Entering Rehab

Howie Rose, a sports broadcaster known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for the New York Mets, is facing backlash following his comments regarding Ingrid Andress's performance of the National Anthem at the Home Run Derby.

The performance went viral as many pointed out how off-key the country music artist was. Following the backlash, Andress released a statement, claiming she was "drunk" and will be entering a rehab facility to get the help she needs.

After Ingrid Andress issued an apology, Howie Rose joked about the situation, causing backlash amongst sports fans.

The four-time GRAMMY nominee was the talk of the nation after her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" went viral. Andress performed the national anthem at Monday's Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and two days later, the performance is still being talked about.

Following the backlash she received, Ingrid Andress released a statement admitting she was highly intoxicated.

"I'm not gonna bullsh-t y'all, I was drunk last night," she wrote in a statement on Instagram. "I'm checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition."

"I'll let y'all know how rehab is I hear it's super fun," she concluded.

New York Mets announcer Howie Rose is now facing criticism for making a joke about the country music star entering rehab following her viral performance at the MLB Home Run Derby.

“I will make sure my ears say hi to her. They’re in rehab too,” the WCBS 880 radio announced, posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The post received hundreds of comments, many of which told Rose he went too far with the joke.

"Howie, I normally like your sense of humor, but this ain’t it man," another said.

Several others pointed out how Howie Rose's comment was "cruel" and "uncalled for."

"Love and respect you, Howie, but this is cruel and wildly out of line," one X user replied to his post.

"Wow! Disappointing to hear you speak so nasty about someone who came forward about struggling with addiction," another said, while one individual chimed in, "I know you’re entitled to your comment. But I think it was a bit harsh, coming from you, someone I didn’t expect to say something like that."

As another pointed out, "No need to kick someone when down - many of the Mets you call friends have been there."

The comments did not stop there as one X user said, "You keep this up, Howie, you might find yourself selling real estate with me."

"Damn, Howie all the respect in the world for you but this ain’t it. Especially when half the 86 Mets went through rehab too…awful," another wrote in an X post.

And one user simply told the Mets broadcaster to "do better."

The New York Mets broadcaster later apologized for his comment. "Okay, maybe that was harsh. Can’t all be gems," he said.

Ahead of the off-key performance of the National Anthem, Ingrid Andress shared on Instagram that fans can expect new music in the near future.

"Greetings to everyone that has a pulse. I truly love you all so much. I've been absent for a minute, but I’m so stoked to announce that my new single 'Colorado 9' comes out on July 24th," she wrote on Instagram. "To celebrate, I’m playing two very special shows, one in Nashville, this Wednesday, July 17th, at Row One, and one in Denver on Wednesday, July 24th, at Globe Hall."

It is unclear if these scheduled performances will still happen now that she says she will be checking into a rehab facility.

"Thank you for being here for me even though I’ve been living under a rock," she added. "Y’all are the best and I can’t wait to see you at my shows (stay tuned for more show announcements soon)."