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Baseball

Ichiro target in clubhouse

Things got so bad in the Seattle Mariners’ clubhouse during this discouraging season that one player reportedly threatened to “knock out” outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, the team’s highest-profile player.

A “clubhouse insider” quoted in Thursday’s edition of the Seattle Times said, “I just can’t believe the number of guys who really dislike him. It got to a point early on when I thought they were going to get together and go after him.”

The story went on to say that coaches intervened when one player was overheard talking about wanting to “knock him out.” A meeting was called to clear the air.

Ichiro did not comment on the story, but pitcher J.J. Putz said he doesn’t remember any such incident and said there was no meeting to talk about it. He said whoever made the claims was a “coward.”

Rumors persist that some players believe Ichiro is selfish and more interested in his hit totals than the team’s success.

Mariners manager Jim Riggleman also said he doesn’t remember any such clubhouse turmoil centered on Ichiro, nor a meeting to deal with it.

“It’s hard to comprehend that someone is looking at 200-plus hits and it’s not helping the ballclub,” Riggleman said. “It’s seventh-grade mentality. It’s pettiness, jealousy, pointing fingers, deflecting responsibility, lack of accountability, lack of character.”

NFL

Happy day for Hasselbeck

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been throwing to two new receivers in informal bye week practices – Bobby Engram and Deion Branch.

It’s a kind of birthday gift for Hasselbeck, who is turning 33.

Engram has been out with a broken shoulder since the first preseason game in August. Branch is coming back from knee surgery and hasn’t played since January..

Hasselbeck told KIRO Radio the team will need all its weapons when play resumes Oct. 5 at the New York Giants.