Rogers has words for cameraman

ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers had another run-in with a cameraman Monday when he turned himself in on misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an earlier outburst against two cameramen.

The three-time All-Star, appealing a 20-game suspension and $50,000 fine imposed by baseball commissioner Bud Selig, was released after posting $1,500 bond.

Rogers jawed at a cameraman for Dallas-Fort Worth television station WFAA as he was booked into the county jail. Just as with the incident that led to the charges, the exchange was caught on tape.

WFAA reported on its Web site Monday that photographer Mike Zukerman was videotaping the procedure when Rogers turned to him and said, “You’re getting really close; you know that? Do you hear me?”

A few seconds later, Rogers again turned to the camera, saying, “You must be pretty proud of yourself, too.”

After Zukerman replied, “It’s just my job, Kenny,” Rogers responded: “Yeah. Your job. That’s just your excuse.”

Rogers was not available for comment before Monday’s game against the New York Yankee. He is scheduled to pitch Thursday at home against Oakland.

Rangers officials said they don’t know if Rogers’ appeal will be heard Thursday or Friday.

“We’ll miss him in those three, four starts he’ll miss,” Rangers owner Tom Hicks said. “He’s our best pitcher.”