MLB Star Rebukes Newsom's SAT Remarks: 'Thinks Black Ppl are Dumb'

Tommy Pham says California governor's comments about his low SAT score were offensive.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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MLB player Tommy Pham criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for comments he made about his low SAT score, saying Newsom was implying that Black people are unintelligent. Newsom had cited his 960 SAT score as a way to relate to Black people, but Pham took issue with this, saying he was a straight-A student who scored well on the SAT. Newsom later clarified that he was speaking about his own lifelong struggle with dyslexia.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments sparked a backlash, with some accusing him of being racially insensitive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the intelligence of Black people. The incident highlights the ongoing debate around issues of race, education, and political rhetoric.

The details

In a speech to Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom cited his 960 SAT score as a way to relate to Black people, saying '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.' Pham, a former San Diego Padres player, responded on Instagram, saying 'I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT. He thinks black ppl are dumb.' Newsom later defended his comments, saying he was speaking about his own struggles with dyslexia.

  • Newsom made the comments in a speech to Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens over the weekend.
  • Pham posted his response on Instagram shortly after Newsom's remarks.

The players

Tommy Pham

A former MLB player for the San Diego Padres who is now a free agent. He criticized Newsom's comments as implying that Black people are unintelligent.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who cited his low SAT score as a way to relate to Black people, sparking backlash.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta who was present when Newsom made the controversial comments, and later defended them as a 'moment of vulnerability.'

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What they’re saying

“I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT. He thinks black ppl are dumb.”

— Tommy Pham (Instagram)

“You didn't give a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes — but you're going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake fucking outrage, Sean.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Fox News)

“Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline. The conversation around his new book included him speaking about his own academic struggles, including not doing well on the SAT. That wasn't an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (Instagram)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity around issues of race, education, and political rhetoric. While Newsom claimed he was speaking about his own struggles, his comments were perceived by some as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black intelligence. The backlash and defense of his remarks underscore the need for greater awareness and nuance when discussing these complex topics.