Former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, widely known for his 21-season career and his role as godfather to Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has spoken out after controversial comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding autism.
During a Thursday speech, Kennedy claimed that “toxins” were behind rising autism rates and painted a grim, sweeping portrait of children on the spectrum.
“These are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted,” Kennedy stated, as part of his health policy discussion and a proposed study into autism causes.
The remarks quickly drew outrage from the autism community and their allies-including Hawkins, who took to social media to condemn the language and implications of Kennedy’s claims.
“These comments about autism were reckless and harmful,” Hawkins wrote. “I have family on the spectrum who are brilliant, compassionate, and contribute so much to this world. Autism is not a flaw, it’s a superpower. He should be speaking hope, not fear.”
A deeply personal response from a veteran athlete
Hawkins’ public rebuke highlights the emotional weight these statements carry for families and individuals connected to the autism spectrum.
As someone with neurodiverse relatives, Hawkins sought to defend the dignity and potential of people whose abilities may differ, but whose humanity is no less valid.
Known for his resilience and leadership over two decades in Major League Baseball, Hawkins pitched for 11 different teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, and two stints with the Colorado Rockies. He helped lead the Rockies to their first-ever World Series appearance in 2007 and retired as one of the most respected journeymen in the sport.
Beyond baseball, Hawkins has maintained a presence in the sports world, in part due to his close relationship with Patrick Mahomes, whom he’s helped mentor throughout the NFL star’s rise.
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