MLB legend and Patrick Mahomes’ godfather LaTroy Hawkins rips RFK Jr over ‘reckless’ autism take

Former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, the godfather of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, has hit out at Donald Trump’s secretary of health Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy made a shocking address Wednesday when he revealed a list of ‘toxins’ he claims could be driving a ‘tsunami’ of autism across the US.

During his speech, the 71-year-old, who has previously promoted a scientifically debunked claim that autism is caused by vaccines, also reeled off a number of claims about the lives of children with autism.

‘These are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted,’ Kennedy, the son of former United States Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, said.

Kennedy Jr. has come under fire from scientists, advocates and even Hawkins for his position.

Hawkins, who played alongside Pat Mahomes Sr during their time with the Minnesota Twins, took to social media to criticize Kennedy Jr. for fear-mongering.

Robert F Kennedy Jr. eeled off a number of claims about the lives of children with autism

LaTroy Hawkins (R), the godfather of Patrick Mahomes (L), blasted the health secretary

The former pitcher enjoyed a 21-year career in the majors, including with the Blue Jays

‘These comments about autism were reckless and harmful,’ Hawkins posted on X in response to a clip of Kennedy’s speech.

‘I have family on the spectrum who are brilliant, compassionate, and contribute so much to this world. Autism is not a flaw it’s a superpower. He should be speaking hope, not fear.’

Hawkins, who enjoyed a 21-year career in the major leagues, signed off his post with three hashtags which read, ‘AutismAcceptance,’ ‘Neurodiversity,’ and ‘RFKJrFU.’

Kennedy said Wednesday that he would commission a series of studies into whether mold, pesticides, food chemicals or medicines are contributing to the development of the condition.

He also suggested a surprising fifth possible factor: ultrasound scans. He noted the technology became widely available around the same time autism started spiking in the 1980s.

RFK Jr went on to suggest industries were profiting off of environmental toxins that are driving more autism diagnoses, an apparent nod to his vaccine skepticism and crusade against artificial food ingredients.

Scientists and advocates for people with autism have criticized Kennedy’s position as harmful and misleading. Mainstream research describes autism as a complex condition largely shaped by genetics and multiple other contributing factors.

It comes after a Tuesday CDC report suggested the number of US children with autism rose to one in 31 in 2022, up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 56 in 2016.

The right hander took to social media to take aim at Kennedy for fear-mongering

The 52-year-old is pictured with Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes

By comparison, early studies from the 1960s and 70s estimated autism rates to be as low as 1 in 5,000. Most researchers say the trend can likely be attributed to better screening and awareness — but Kennedy said that only accounts for ’10 to 20 percent’ of cases.

While it is unknown which family members of Hawkins are autistic, the retired reliever has previously participated in charity events to raise money for the disorder.

In 2012, he joined the Stars & Strikes celebrity bowling tournament organized by fellow former pitcher Eddie Guardado in aid of Autism Care and Treatment Today.

The right hander was drafted by the Twins, making his MLB debut in 1995 before going on to enjoy stints with the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays among others.

During his eight years in Minnesota, Hawkins became good friends with Mahomes Sr. He was in Mahomes’ wedding party before later being named godfather to Mahomes II, the three-time Super Bowl winner.

Hawkins even proposed to his wife, Anita, at a Mahomes New Year’s Eve party. He and Anita share two children, son Dakari and daughter Troi.