MLB Star Pham Calls Out Newsom Over SAT Score Comments

Pham accuses California governor of implying Black people are 'dumb'

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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MLB free agent Tommy Pham criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for recent comments about his own low SAT scores, which Pham said implied that Black people are intellectually inferior. Pham reshared Newsom's remarks on his Instagram Stories, writing that he 'can't relate' because he was a 'straight A student' who scored well on the SAT.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments have sparked widespread criticism, with some perceiving racial undertones in his remarks about his academic performance. The exchange highlights ongoing debates around standardized testing, education equity, and perceptions of intelligence.

The details

In a clip shared by Pham, Newsom told a crowd in Atlanta, 'I'm like you, I'm a 960 SAT guy. I can't read.' Pham accused Newsom of thinking Black people are 'dumb,' writing 'I can't relate I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT he thinks black [people] are dumb.' Newsom has defended his comments, saying he was referring to his own dyslexia, but critics argue his remarks went beyond that and reflected harmful stereotypes.

  • On February 25, 2026, Newsom made the controversial comments about his SAT scores during an event in Atlanta.

The players

Tommy Pham

An MLB free agent who criticized Newsom's comments on his Instagram Stories, accusing the governor of implying Black people are 'dumb'.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who made comments about his own low SAT scores, which were perceived by some as having racial undertones.

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What they’re saying

“I can't relate I was a straight A student and scored well on my SAT he thinks black [people] are dumb.”

— Tommy Pham (Instagram)

What’s next

Newsom's office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the controversy.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity around issues of race, education, and perceptions of intelligence, and the need for public figures to be mindful of how their remarks may be interpreted, especially when discussing personal academic performance.