MLB Star Tommy Pham Slams Newsom's 'Dumb Black People' Remarks

Pham says Newsom's comments about his low SAT score show the governor believes Black people are unintelligent.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former MLB player Tommy Pham criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for recent comments he made about his low SAT score, saying Newsom was implying that Black people are 'dumb'. Pham, who was a straight-A student and scored well on the SAT, posted on social media that Newsom's remarks reveal the governor's belief that Black people are unintelligent.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments have been widely condemned as offensive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the intelligence of Black people. As a prominent political figure, Newsom's remarks carry significant weight and influence, making his apparent beliefs about race and intelligence a matter of public concern.

The details

During a recent event, Newsom told the audience that he once scored a 960 on the SAT, implying that he was 'like' the predominantly Black crowd and 'not better than' them. Pham posted a screenshot of Newsom's comments, writing that he 'can't relate' because he was a strong student. Pham also shared a separate video of Newsom claiming he could read a 260-page book in an hour and a half, further fueling the perception that Newsom views Black people as less intelligent.

  • Newsom made the controversial comments during a weekend event in Atlanta.
  • Pham posted his critical response on his Instagram Stories on Wednesday.

The players

Tommy Pham

A 12-year MLB veteran who played for the San Diego Padres from 2020 to 2021, and who was a straight-A student and scored well on the SAT.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, who made controversial comments about his own low SAT score that were perceived as implying Black people are unintelligent.

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What they’re saying

“I can't relate to what Newsom was spouting. I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT. He thinks black ppl are dumb.”

— Tommy Pham, MLB Player (Instagram)

“His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can't read. He's not just TELLING them that they're all probably stupid & probably can't read, he's LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if they're children!!!! That means he REALLY BELIEVES they're slow. He's not just saying it—he didn't misspeak!!!! He BELIEVES it!!!! Do ya love it?!?!! Do ya just love it, black ppl?!????”

— Nicki Minaj, Rapper (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Newsom has faced widespread criticism for his remarks, and it remains to be seen if there will be any political fallout or if he will address the controversy further.

The takeaway

Newsom's comments have been widely condemned as perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes, and highlight the need for elected officials to be mindful of the impact their words can have, especially when discussing issues of race and intelligence.