Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Clarifies Comments on Airline Delays

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts quickly clarified his comments about travel delays experienced by his team after they went viral. On October 26, 2025, Roberts questioned if there was “intent” behind the delays as the team’s traveling party left Toronto for Los Angeles.

“I know the Prime Minister is not worried about calling airline security or the FAA to make sure that they delay us,” Roberts stated in an interview with The Athletic. “I think the Prime Minister has bigger fish to fry.” His remarks came after the Dodgers faced significant travel issues that caused them to arrive at Dodger Stadium shortly before their scheduled workout.

Roberts was visibly cheerful when addressing the delay during a press conference. “I just arrived about 30 minutes ago. So there were some delays. I don’t know if there was intent or not. But, man, the international stuff was a bear. But we made it,” he said.

Social media erupted after Roberts’ comments. Critics pointed out that U.S. customs processes can significantly delay international travel for Major League Baseball teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, who cross the border frequently. Roberts later admitted he “could have omitted ‘intent'” regarding the delays.

Both teams are currently in Los Angeles for the World Series, with the Dodgers carrying approximately 400 people spread across four planes to accommodate their traveling party. Despite earlier troubles, both teams are preparing for Game 3, set to take place at Dodger Stadium.

“The process was very long,” Roberts explained. “But a lot of it had to do with our big, huge, four-plane travel party. It’s just a part of international travel. And passports. Airline security. That’s part of it.”

Roberts concluded, “Canada is not trying to sabotage the Dodgers. It was just a long day.”