When Jose Altuve was accused of lying about jersey-ripping incident by a top body language expert

In February 2020, Houston Astros All-Star Jose Altuve was accused of lying about his infamous jersey-ripping incident by a top body language expert.

Altuve made headlines when he asked teammates not to rip his jersey off after he hit a home run in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees on Oct. 17, 2019.

Later, when questioned by reporters, Altuve stated that he refused to let his teammates pull off the jersey out of shyness.

However, a top body-language expert, Traci Brown, did not buy Altuve's excuse.

“The whole thing is scripted bulls***,” said Brown.

Brown provided a more in-depth analysis, explaining:

"He [Altuve] doesn’t have any trouble hearing any of the reporter’s questions except the one about the shirt. That’s a tell-tale of deception. And he answers that question differently, looking down as he answers. He’s not telling the truth here about why he didn’t want his shirt ripped.

"And he smiles and laughs about this potentially very incriminating question. That’s called duper’s delight. He thinks he’s getting away with it.”

"Jose Altuve, Astros ‘not telling the truth,’ says body-language expert: ‘"The whole thing is scripted bull" - Randy Miller

Traci Brown had previously worked with the FBI, studied numerous other Astros interviews and came to the conclusion that the entire team was lying about the illegal use of buzzers.

Jose Altuve continues to get hate from MLB fans

Championship Series - New York Yankees v Houston Astros - Game Two: HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 20: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts after popping out against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning in game two of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 20, 2022, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Jose Altuve is currently the face of the Houston Astros. He was also a vital member of the team in 2017, which was found to have used closed-circuit television and garbage cans to cheat and win the World Series.

MLB fans believe the Houston Astros weren't given a strict enough punishment after they were caught cheating, especially considering the team wasn't stripped of the title.

As such, players on the team, including Altuve, continue to receive jeers from fans at away stadiums. That's unlikely to stop as long as the Astros remain successful.