Phillies Closer Papelbon Suspended Seven Games For "Gesture"

[Mitchell]

www.phillies.com.

Phillies closer Johnathan Papelbon has been suspended for seven games.. for making what was deemed an "obscene gesture" toward the fans at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, after he grabbed his crotch while leaving the field, as he was being booed, after blowing a save.

Papelbon has stated that he was not making a lewd gesture, but was adjusting his athletic supporter. He also apologized, and said he will serve his suspension immediately, and not appeal.

It seems difficult to judge what actually happened with Papelbon. On one hand, it is possible that he was adjusting his athletic supporter, while on the other, it is also very possible that he was in fact making a lewd gesture, realized his actions were wrong, and decided to accept the penalty given to him, without appealing.

Thoughts on Papelbon's actions?

 

[tklbd]

Everyone knows he's a "hot head" to begin with. Being a former pitcher myself..yeah..sometimes you do have to "make an adjustment" there. (the good ole cup kinda moves, sometimes also) But c'mom..you usually do that on the field, behind the mound and facing the outfield. Not right in front of the dugout..while staring up at the booing crowd!!! Plus..after being ejected..he did "make contact" with umpire, Joe West!! So yeah, he deserved it!!

However...that brings me to Joe West!! Notoriously known for being in the middle of a lot of controversial calls and arguments!! It appeared after Papelbon "bumped" him..West grabbed his collar and virtually pushed him away!!! I think West should also be suspended for possibly "escalating" the situation!!! Hell..he's not known for being "Cowboy" Joe West for nothing!!!

That's my two cents!!!

 

[Sodahead]

Everyone knows he's a "hot head" to begin with. Being a former pitcher myself..yeah..sometimes you do have to "make an adjustment" there. (the good ole cup kinda moves, sometimes also) But c'mom..you usually do that on the field, behind the mound and facing the outfield. Not right in front of the dugout..while staring up at the booing crowd!!! Plus..after being ejected..he did "make contact" with umpire, Joe West!! So yeah, he deserved it!!

However...that brings me to Joe West!! Notoriously known for being in the middle of a lot of controversial calls and arguments!! It appeared after Papelbon "bumped" him..West grabbed his collar and virtually pushed him away!!! I think West should also be suspended for possibly "escalating" the situation!!! Hell..he's not known for being "Cowboy" Joe West for nothing!!!

That's my two cents!!!

Joe West is considered by many players and members of the media to be among the worst umpires in baseball. He partially instigated that situation with Papelbon and deserves to be suspended, fined or even fired.

 

[tklbd]

Joe West "partially" instigates nearly every situation. And what I heard was that he only got a ONE GAME suspension??!! Bud Selig needs to grow a pair..and has always needed too!! But then..he is in a "lame duck" situation now, isn't he?? IMO..a team owner should never be a commissioner in any sport!!! He needs to be totally impartial..like an arbitrator!!