Umpire Joe West suspended for grabbing Jonathan Papelbon
Jonathan Papelbon got all the attention for grabbing at his crotch in the direction of fans, but what came afterward was honestly more embarrassing: and not for the Phillies' closer. Umpire Joe West, who was working second base at the time, ejected Papelbon, and then escalated the situation by grabbing on to Papelbon's jersey and pulling. MLB announced that Joe West will be suspended for one game for his actions, a punishment he'll serve on Wednesday.
MLB's Joe Torre gave his thoughts in a press release.
Joe West handled himself appropriately in ejecting Papelbon after the player's lewd gesture to the fans. I fully understand that Joe was reacting to a player who was acting aggressively, and can understand his frustration with the situation. However, Joe knows that an umpire cannot initiate physical contact with a player just as a player cannot initiate physical contact with an umpire. I spoke to Joe about the incident, and he admitted that there was a better way to handle the situation. I consider this matter closed."
http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/9/17/6340985/joe-west-jonathan-papelbon-dong-gate
West should have gotten a medal and a rabies shot....ridiculous.
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