Houston Astros: World Series Cheating Body Language Analysis
Is it a Major League Lie?
Major League Baseball spring training just opened. But there’s still lots of controversy about the Houston Astros and their world series victory. Did they steal pitch signs and transmit it to players via buzzers worn under their shirts?
Watch this video interview with Jose Altuve just after the Astros won the American League Pennant. Can you see any signs of deception?
Here’s what I noticed:
He can hear the questions well and answers questions pretty consistently up until he’s asked about why he didn’t let his teammates tear off his shirt. Then at :53 suddenly he couldn’t hear the question and asks for it to be repeated. Is it possible he didn’t hear? Yes. But it’s very coincidental that’s the one question he couldn’t hear. When someone asks to repeat a question you know they heard it’s often a telltale of deception.
As he answers he backs away, looks down and laughs. People back away from questions they aren’t comfortable with. Looking down is a shift in baseline from the way he’s answered other questions. And that smile and laugh is likely duper’s delight. He’s having fun getting away with it. Then he blames it on his wife. That gives us 5 hot spots in a tight cluster.
My analysis: Pants on Fire.
The beginning of the season press conference was scripted and devoid of any emotion. They won. A couple of guys got fired. And no players were punished. Give me a break. For sure they aren’t sorry for anything. Here’s the link if you want to check it out:
Will they win again? I’m betting right now that they’re cooking up new ways to cheat to do it.
This situation probably makes some of you really angry. Here’s something to consider. Team sports athletes aren’t paid for their independent thought and values. They’re paid to do what the management wants. I know this first hand-remember I used to be a pro athlete. Whoever wore the buzzers likely had 2 choices: wear the buzzer or lose your job. It doesn’t make the situation ok but it makes it understandable. All that money got in the way of any conflicting values. It’s as simple as that.