Jonathan Papelbon Suspended 7 Games for Grabbing Crotch
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon argues with Umpire Joe West after being ejected from the game against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Philadelphia. The Marlins won 5-4.
Yesterday, we we told you about Jonathan Papelbon’s ejection for grabbing his crotch as he walked off the field after blowing a save. On Tuesday, MLB suspended Papelbon seven games for the incident.
Officially, the suspension was also for making contact with umpire Joe West after West ejected Papelbon for grabbing his crotch as he walked off the field. Papelbon won’t appeal his suspension, and will get a weeklong vacation from what could be a 90-loss team.
#Phillies pitcher Papelbon won't appeal 7-game suspension from #MLB for crotch grab –> http://t.co/BTSbcVCVpG pic.twitter.com/9d756eHQ1d
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 16, 2014
It’s quite easy to note how long Papelbon’s suspension is, compared to other MLB bans. Intentionally throwing at a player gets you about four games. Domestic abusers are rarely punished. Ditto DUIs. It’s kind of hilarious. Seven games for grabbing his crotch!
The Phillies don’t find it hilarious. They released a statement agreeing with the suspension:
“The Phillies fully support the decision of the Commissioner’s Office, which has exclusive jurisdiction for on-field player behavior. By Major League Baseball rules, the Phillies have no authority to make official judgments about activity which occurs on the field or to determine the appropriate penalty for misconduct. We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday.”
Inquirer Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb calls it “a damning 59 words.” The Phillies aren’t happy with their closer. Even Ryne Sandberg didn’t really say much in defense of him. “That’s not my job or position to believe him,” Sandberg said. “All I can base it on is what he told me and he had no intentions of that being toward the fans. It’s not my position or my spot to make any judgment on that, but just to listen to him.”
I wanna hear how philly fans feel about Papelbon and his, ahem, emphatic cup adjustment. That was fricken hilarious! Laughed my ass off!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) September 16, 2014
Rookie Ken Giles, who has given up just 5 earned runs in 41 2/3 innings this season in a setup role, will close in Papelbon’s absence.
