MLB says Joe Ricketts' racist emails are 'extremely offensive'

Major League Baseball says the racist jokes in recently leaked emails from Joe Ricketts, the father of Chicago Cubs owner and chairman Tom Ricketts, are "extremely offensive" and "completely at odds" with the league's values and principles.

"We are aware of the email exchanges involving Joe Ricketts," the league said in a statement obtained by ESPN. "While many of the emails were not written by Mr. Ricketts, the content is extremely offensive and completely at odds with the values and principles of Major League Baseball. Providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone is extremely important for MLB and our 30 clubs."

Concerns were raised after the emails were published on Monday, with Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Council on American-Islamic Relations speaking up.

"Joe Ricketts once said that I do not share his values. Truer words were never spoken," Emanuel's statement read. "The ignorance and intolerance he has espoused are not welcome in Chicago."

Once the emails became public, Joe Ricketts apologized.

"I deeply regret and apologize for some of the exchanges I had in my emails," Joe Ricketts said in a statement, via the Chicago Tribune. "Sometimes I received emails that I should have condemned. Other times I’ve said things that don’t reflect my value system. I strongly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong."

Tom Ricketts issued a separate statement condemning the emails.

"We are aware of the racially insensitive emails in my father's account that were published by an online media outlet," Ricketts said. "Let me be clear: The language and views expressed in those emails have no place in our society.

"My father is not involved with the operation of the Chicago Cubs in any way. I am trusted with representing this organization and our fans with a respect for people from all backgrounds. These emails do not reflect the culture we've worked so hard to build at the Chicago Cubs since 2009."