A Collision of Titans: MLB vs. Musk

In a shocking escalation of tensions between sports and tech, Elon Musk announced via the X app (formerly Twitter) that he would ban all Los Angeles Dodgers players from accessing or using Tesla vehicles and charging services. The billionaire CEO cited “values misalignment” following recent team controversies, igniting a firestorm across both the tech and sports worlds.

But the real earthquake came hours later — when MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani responded with blunt fury.

Shohei Ohtani Fires Back: “This App Is Trash”

In a rare and fiery public statement posted to Instagram Stories and later echoed by fans on TikTok, Ohtani didn’t hold back:

“This app isn’t what it used to be. It’s just Elon’s chaos machine now. I’m telling my fans: delete it. Stop giving this platform power. You don’t need to see that kind of shit.”

The normally reserved Japanese icon, known for his diplomacy and team-first focus, has now become the face of a growing movement against what many are calling “Musk’s weaponization of influence.”

Why Elon Musk Is Targeting the Dodgers

While the full details are still emerging, insiders report that Musk’s Tesla ban against Dodgers players stems from the team’s support of inclusive social justice campaigns — some of which Musk has mocked in recent X posts.

One source close to Tesla’s marketing division said Musk was “furious” that Dodgers leadership invited progressive speakers and activist groups to team events, calling it “corporate virtue signaling.”

His retaliatory ban includes:

• Revoking complimentary Tesla leases offered to high-profile Dodgers

• Blocking access to private Tesla Superchargers used by team staff

• Terminating all pending Dodgers-Tesla promotional partnerships

MLB Reacts: “This Crosses a Line”

Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a brief but firm response:

“Players should never be punished for their values or their affiliations. This is not how partnerships in American sports should function.”

Players union reps have also begun internal discussions on issuing a league-wide advisory against promoting Tesla or engaging on X.

#DeleteX and #BoycottTesla Trending

Following Ohtani’s post, fans began deleting the X app en masse. Within hours, #DeleteX and #BoycottTesla surged to the top of trending lists — ironically, on the very platform being rejected.

Thousands of Ohtani supporters reposted clips of his All-Star performance overlaid with captions like:

“Real heroes don’t need Teslas. They use their voice.”

In a powerful post on Threads, teammate Mookie Betts added:

“We play ball. We don’t play politics. Let the man run his company, and we’ll run the bases.”

A Celebrity Tech Feud Like No Other

This isn’t the first time Musk has clashed with public figures, but Shohei Ohtani’s status as an international icon gives this feud a new level of global visibility.

Analysts are now calling this a “LeBron vs Elon” moment for baseball — where a top-tier athlete directly challenges a Silicon Valley titan not just over products, but principles.

What’s Next: Could Tesla Lose Its Athlete Appeal?

Tesla has long relied on athlete endorsements — from LeBron James to Serena Williams — to bolster its image. But this bold move against the Dodgers, combined with Ohtani’s backlash, may trigger a wider celebrity pullout from both Tesla and X.

With MLB entering a critical viewership season and Tesla facing slowing EV sales, both brands could feel serious consequences.

Final Word: “I Stand By My Words” – Ohtani

When asked by a Japanese reporter outside Dodger Stadium whether he regretted his statement, Ohtani said plainly:

“No regrets. I stand by my words. There are bigger things than cars or apps. There’s respect.”