Veteran Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder Tommy Pham is calling out California Governor Gavin Newsom after controversial remarks the Democrat made while speaking to a predominantly black audience during a recent book tour stop.
Newsom made the comments while appearing alongside Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at a February 23 event in Atlanta promoting his memoir Young Man in a Hurry.
Political observers have widely viewed the tour as part of a broader effort positioning the governor for a potential 2028 presidential run.
During the interview, Newsom attempted to relate to the black audience by assuring them that “I’m like you” because “I cannot read.”
Newsom told the audience:
“I’m not trying to impress you.
“I’m just trying to impress upon you.
“I’m like you. I’m not better than you.
“I’m a 960 SAT guy,” he added.
“And I’m not trying to offend anyone.
“I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940,” Newsom continued.
“You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
WATCH:
A 960 SAT score falls below the national average on the 1600-point exam.
Newsom has previously spoken publicly about his dyslexia, saying it affected his reading speed and academic performance.
Pham Responds: “He Thinks Black Ppl Are Dumb”
Pham, a 12-year MLB veteran and current free agent, reacted sharply on social media.
In an Instagram story, he shared a clip of Newsom’s remarks with the caption:
“I can’t relate… I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT
“he thinks black ppl are dumb.”
In a follow-up post, Pham shared another clip in which Newsom said during a podcast appearance that he read a 260-page book in an hour and a half.
The discrepancy highlights a contradiction in the governor’s claims about his reading ability.
Newsom has never provided evidence that he’s been diagnosed with dyslexia, despite requests from the media.
Broader Backlash
Newsom’s remarks drew criticism from several commentators and elected officials who described the comments as patronizing.
Rapper Nicki Minaj wrote that Newsom’s approach to connecting with the audience involved “telling them how stupid he is & that he can’t read,” suggesting it implied assumptions about the audience’s comprehension.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) responded directly, stating:
“Black Americans aren’t your low bar,” while pointing to achievements in business, politics, and other fields.
Newsom Camp Pushes Back
The governor’s office rejected accusations of racism.
Instead, Newsom’s team attempted to blame the controversy on President Donald Trump and his supporters.
Spokesperson Izzy Gardon told media outlets that the backlash amounted to “MAGA-manufactured outrage.”
Gardon argued that Newsom has openly discussed his SAT scores and dyslexia for years in a variety of public settings, despite refusing to provide evidence for the claims.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also defended the exchange on Instagram, describing it as “a moment of vulnerability about his own journey” rather than an attack on anyone.
The controversy comes as Newsom continues his national appearances amid speculation about his political future.
Whether the remarks were a self-deprecating attempt at relatability or a tone-deaf misstep, the backlash suggests the comments struck a nerve well beyond Atlanta.
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