MLB soundly scolds Rogers
SEATTLE – Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers was suspended for 20 games and fined $50,000 by Major League Baseball on Friday for an outburst that sent a television cameraman to the hospital and prompted a police investigation.
The players’ union filed an appeal on behalf of Rogers, who can keep pitching until the appeal is heard.
“Mr. Rogers’ behavior was unprofessional, unwarranted and completely unacceptable,” Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “Major League Baseball is a social institution and all of us in the game have an important responsibility to act with reason and good judgment.”
Rogers, who is scheduled to pitch Sunday, was in the Rangers’ locker room before the game against the Seattle Mariners, but would not comment.
“He’s not talking,” said Rangers spokesman Rich Rice.
The suspension was among the most severe imposed by the commissioner’s office for on-field conduct in decades – only the 30-day penalty given Cincinnati manager Pete Rose in 1988 for pushing umpire Dave Pallone was longer.
Rangers shortstop Michael Young said, “Any suspension of this length is definitely going to hurt our club because Kenny is our best pitcher. We’re all going to stick by Kenny.”
Before Wednesday night’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels, Rogers shoved two cameramen as they filmed him walking to the field for pregame stretching. The incident escalated into a tirade that included throwing a camera to the ground, kicking it and threatening to break more.
The incident was captured on videotape and led to KDFW cameraman Larry Rodriguez being treated at a hospital.
“While I recognize the relationship between players and members of the media may sometimes be difficult, there is no circumstance in which a player may settle a difference of opinion or a dispute through physical means,” Selig said. “Media coverage is important to the game and we in baseball are obligated to treat members of the media with respect and civility.”
Rodriguez filed an assault report, and Arlington police spokeswoman Christy Gilfour said the case was being investigated as a misdemeanor assault.
As of Thursday, Rogers hadn’t been interviewed by investigators and no charges had been filed.
In a statement before the ruling, Rogers’ attorneys said: “Kenny Rogers would like to make a statement. However, in light of the ongoing investigation, it is not advisable for Kenny to comment directly and publicly at this time. On Kenny’s behalf, though, we would like to express to Mr. Rodriguez, Ranger fans, all baseball fans and his teammates that Kenny is truly sorry for the incident that occurred and regrets that it happened.”
Said Michael Weiner, the union’s general counsel: “I may have more to say next week, but for the time being, I’ll just say that it’s been immediately appealed.”