First Step Responds To Coach's Comment About Beating Wife: "Domestic Violence Is Never A Joking Matter"

DETROIT (WWJ) - Tiger manager Brad Ausmus is under fire after a reporter asked him what he does after a team loss ... and he joked, "I beat my wife."

But the CEO of a Wayne County group that supports domestic violence victims said she'd like to see Ausmus go a little farther than an apology.

Amy Youngquist of the Domestic Violence project called First Step says although Ausmus probably didn't mean the remark literally, he went way too far.

"Domestic violence is never a joking matter," she stated. "It can be lethal for woman and for children, it's a very serious matter, definitely not a joking matter."

Youngquist, an avid baseball fan, told WWJ's Sandra McNeill that the comment broke her heart.

"I think it's very hurtful because it sends a message that domestic violence is an okay thing to joke about, that's it's not really serious, that it doesn't really happen and if it does happen, then it's no big deal."

When asked if the comment rises to the level of suspension - she said she thinks it should be considered.

Youngquist says she'd like to see Ausmus get involved in the campaign against domestic violence to teach men that it's not okay.