Philadelphia Phillies closing pitcher Jonathan Papelbon was suspended for seven games by Major League Baseball on Monday for "inappropriate behaviour" in Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins.
After giving up four runs in the top of the ninth inning to relinquish a 4-1 lead in an eventual 5-4 loss to the Marlins, Papelbon grabbed his crotch in a gesture apparently directed at booing Phillies home fans as he walked off the mound.
He was promptly ejected by second base umpire Joe West.
The Phillies issued a statement immediately following the announcement of the suspension to chastise Papelbon for his actions.
"The Phillies fully support the decision of the Commissioner's Office, which has exclusive jurisdiction for on-field player behaviour," said the team. "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 apologise to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday."
Papelbon began serving the ban when the Phillies opened a four-game series on Monday in San Diego. He will be eligible to return at Miami on September 23.
The outspoken reliever was also fined an undisclosed amount.
Share
