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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,192 comments Add your comment
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:27 pm
Allred will make to far worse than it really was, she does that all the time.
kirkinga
April 27th, 2011
8:28 pm
This isn’t Rocker v.2.0. There is more than just slurs alleged here.
If true, McDowell approached a family with a weapon in response to heckling. I get that those particular type of slurs don’t register a blip on some people’s moral radar, but I don’t see how brandishing a weapon at a fan and his kids is ever acceptable to the Braves or MLB.
Had this incident taken place outside the park (in some states), the father could have shot McDowell in reasonable fear of bodily harm to him and his kids.
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:29 pm
Allred is a liberal who loves gays.
nolie
April 27th, 2011
8:31 pm
Enter your comments hereI wasn’t around but I bet the board was a reasonably pleasant place during todays game
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:32 pm
What really gets me is this picture
http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00916/Braves_Coach_Fan_Ba_916093c.jpg
Okay, if everything McDowell did is true and unprovoked (I highly doubt that’s the case, but go along with it) I mean, is that any reason to call a press conference and bring your whole family and act like your world’s been turned upside down by the most traumatic experience possible?
Buddy who had his daughter puked on by a drunk fan, yes.
Hearing someone called gay and hearing the F word? I’ve heard a lot worse at baseball games.
nolie
April 27th, 2011
8:32 pm
but you’re tough too Jeffrey.
T for Texas
April 27th, 2011
8:33 pm
I’ll bet the worst that happens is he gets suspended.
Unless a damning video of the incident surfaces, I’d agree. If there is video that makes Roger look bad, you’ll never see him in a visible position with a club ever again.
The shame of that is, without seeing the unfolding of the whole afternoon in context, you don’t know if that dad is an innocent victim, or some horrible son-of-a who deserved worse.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:33 pm
I mean, look at that guy’s expression…he looks like McDowell hijacked his car then ran over his dog with it.
tiger297
April 27th, 2011
8:33 pm
RG hide darling
Pinball34
April 27th, 2011
8:34 pm
Everyone knoes RMD is a nutjob. Why the shock?
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:34 pm
They is one hell of a fine, Jeffrey.
You’re talking like Sonny Clusters, Trey
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:34 pm
it wasn’t mcdowell in the seinfeld episode, it was keith hernandez spitting on kramer
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:35 pm
Freebird- Rodge also didn’t pull the double FF’s… I dont think he needs to be worried about this ‘homophob’ comments. He needs to worry about the allegations of him physically threatening fans.
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
jeffery d 8:32
About that picture. Good grief what actors!
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
Just grinds my gears, nolie.
Isn’t this the same woman who held that ridiculous press conference with Tiger’s stripper mistress, who was suing because she was so emotionally distraught? That was the fakest thing I’ve seen.
T for Texas
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
Dr. K, don’t forget the “second spitter” perched up on the gravely drive.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
If that’s not a staged PR shot, I don’t know what one looks like.
I know I keep dwelling on it, but Richmond Braves Fan sort of brought it up and it’s a good point…Why did nobody bother to inform the Braves about this while they were in San Francisco?? If one of the coaches on the team that is in my park threatened a fan, with or without a weapon, the FIRST thing I do is tell that team. But nobody on the Giants apparently told them, nobody with stadium security apparently told them and nobody at the SFPD apparently told them. They found out the same way we all did- by seeing this man and his family at a press conference…
Wahh
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
Roger McDowell was in that episode, too
Trey
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
We sure did, didn’t we Jeffrey? We think they appropriate punishment for McDowell is to treat us fans to Dairy Queen.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
it wasn’t mcdowell in the seinfeld episode, it was keith hernandez spitting on kramer
No way he could’ve done it at that angle.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
jeffrey d, that picture is so BS. family looks like their dog was mutilated in front of their daughters. i’ve seen law & order episodes with more convincing people than that. i know it’s ajc’s pic they put up, but still…..gimme a break. are their lives forever ruined by this if it indeed happened?? no, publicity & payouts is all they want
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
We got no post game quotes after todays game. miss them.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:39 pm
my bad, ya’ll right about the seinfeld episode…hernandez was dating elaine. the “grassy knoll” angle of spitting..:)
Trey
April 27th, 2011
8:39 pm
Jeffrey, they look like fakers.
Venice Jim
April 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
McDowell needs to be thrown in a deep dungeon with the Duke lacrosse players…
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
Cabravesfan- they first had to hire Gloria allred, of coarse.
Furman Bitcher
April 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
Look this may have very well happened but I am pretty sure McDowell didnt say that kids dont belong at the ball park. That part right their made me doubt the whole story.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
Now that was funny
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
He needs to worry about the allegations of him physically threatening fans.
I agree. The gay comments just seemed like boys being boys.
Fans: Hey McDowell! You suck!
RMD: Ha! You guys are so gay!
If McDowell threatened this guy with a bat, that’s pretty stupid of him. Even if it wasn’t serious at all (like when I’d act up and my Grandpa said he’d give me a “knuckle sandwich”) and even it was provoked, you can’t do that. People in the spotlight are held to a much higher standard than us Joes.
Snotboogie
April 27th, 2011
8:41 pm
All the more reason not to fire Rodger. SF is a strange city lots of gays out there Rodger must have been provoked by fans.
LTBF – I dont understand this at all. Sounds quite bad they way you put it, especially when coupled with your other comment. I suggest you dont go down that path.
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:42 pm
Rodger was a very good pitcher with the muts.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:42 pm
i know it’s ajc’s pic they put up, but still…..gimme a break. are their lives forever ruined by this if it indeed happened??
I don’t care if it’s the only picture that makes them look so downtrodden. What gets me is that they actually had to hold a press converence for something like this. Good grief
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:42 pm
Bigwheel-
Of course. Because the first thing I do after hearing insulting language or feeling threatened is call a known media obsessed attorney in a city 400 miles away because I’m so upset.
Snotboogie
April 27th, 2011
8:43 pm
Bat
I think DC Brave’s appreciation was in response to carlchamblee’s 8:16 post.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:44 pm
jeffrey-
because that’s what gloria allred does. She holds press conferences.
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:44 pm
the ambulance chasers
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:44 pm
See? Isn’t this a nice break from bullpen usage, or the #2 spot in the lineup?
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:45 pm
I fully expect PL to chime in praising RMD
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:45 pm
i swear shes such a runt
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:46 pm
VJ 8:40
Duke lacrosse players did nothing wrong.
Snotboogie
April 27th, 2011
8:46 pm
See? Isn’t this a nice break from bullpen usage, or the #2 spot in the lineup?
I’d rather be discussing today’s victory.
Or Kimbrel’s usage for the ninth.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:47 pm
Interview the girls. Kids will be able to give an accurate account of the story. And if they don’t, it’ll be obvious they’re hiding something or that they were coached to say something specific.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:47 pm
you know their attorneys are chomping at the bit for this right?? back in the day, will clark told me to f**k off when trying to get an autograph from him…LOL….but no need for a lawyer, i knew he was an a**hole!!!
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:47 pm
I think that was the joke, LTBF
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:47 pm
LTBF-
I think VJ’s point was those kids were tried and convicted in the media before the facts were known. Ruined their lacrosse careers and their lives at Duke.
Trey
April 27th, 2011
8:48 pm
Jeffrey, well you can’t praise him nor can you condemn him.
Abwright
April 27th, 2011
8:48 pm
Wasn’t it Gloria Allred who represented the strippers who threatened the Duke lacrosse players?
That sure turned out well.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:49 pm
you know their attorneys are chomping at the bit for this right??
That just adds to the strangeness of it all- they are not suing, they have not filed any kind of legal complaint. All they claim they are asking for is a public apology. And gloria wants a fine. Not even for him to be fired. Just an apology and a fine.
DC Braves Fan
April 27th, 2011
8:50 pm
Snotboogie – you are correct, I was appreciating the Uggla comment.
I take it you have an opinion on Kimbrel’s use in the ninth? I wouldn’t mind hearing it.
In Fredi I Am Trusting A Little
April 27th, 2011
8:50 pm
Just read the Roger McDowell story and all I have to say about that is
ROGER MCDOWELL SHOULD BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!!
There is no place for behavior like his. Who the hell does he think he is? He is not that good of a pitching coach, and he is a even worse human being. Fire his worthless being, and make a PR move and hire either John Smoltz or Tom Glavine as the new PC.
kirkinga
April 27th, 2011
8:51 pm
Don’t worry, McDowell isn’t some poor Joe. He has the resources to take on that meanie Gloria Allred…lol!
He’ll need a good lawyer too because this needs to stay out of court. No jury in San Francisco is going to believe that he was “provoked” into brandishing a weapon while threatening a dad who didn’t want his kids exposed to that type of behavior.
The interesting part is that the targets of the slurs aren’t the ones with a lawyer, so far yet people are reacting as if they are the one’s with that big meanie Gloria Allred for a lawyer.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:51 pm
CAB – what were you saying about judging before all the facts were out?
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:52 pm
He’ll need a good lawyer too because this needs to stay out of court
I’ll call Jackie Childs.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:52 pm
jeffrey-
where?
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:53 pm
kirkinga-
There is no lawsuit. The fan is not seeking anything out of it.
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:53 pm
Fredi you are trusting a little- hold some judgement. All you have is a TMZ (and dont get me started on that toilet paper) and Gloria F Allred’s attention starved presser…
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
8:53 pm
Nevermind…
Snotboogie
April 27th, 2011
8:53 pm
DC
Considering Sherrill hasnt been used much on this road trip, and the 7 run lead, I woulndt have minded him pitching the ninth. As someone else mentioned, If Sherrill cant be trusted to pitch in this situation of what use is he. Unless he is injured or something.
But with tomorrow’s off-day and the fact that Kimbrel hadnt pitched yesterday, I guess it wasnt too bad.
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:53 pm
Cab 8:47
I did get VJ joke. I just wanted to make sure those unfamiler with the Duke story knew the players were innocent
James
April 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
Guys, make sure you check out the video of the news conference. One version of it has an extra section where Allred holds a baseball bat and simulates the obscene gesture using the accuser dad’s hand. For one thing, having Gloria Allred simulate anal lovemaking on your hand has got to be the most emasculating experience in the world. Second, how is it appropriate to make the motion in a news conference in front of an entire TV audience (including kids) when the whole idea behind this is that Mcdowell was being inappropriate in front of a family?
Fast forward to 2 minutes, its worth it.
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=c768a07d-3b51-4591-963e-3966a27b39b9
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
jeffrey-
did I say something that went against that? (really asking- I don’t think I did…)
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
cabravesfan- and where will this fine go to? the family or MLB?
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:55 pm
Rodge has been a damn good pitching coach for us, BTW, in fredi you are trusting a little
chilidog75
April 27th, 2011
8:55 pm
Who cares about Allred?
She’s an afterthought. Maybe the parents went to the Giants, went to the police, saw nothing was going to happen and then took matters into their own hands by drumming up a PR attorney who was CERTAINLY going to get attention.
Just because they hold a press conference doesn’t mean it’s not true.
McDowell needs to get out in front of this thing immediately – if he is in fact innocent of threatening a dad with a bat. But, his formal apology was all of two sentences and he expressed regret. Seems if they were lying, if this dad was just conjuring it up to get paid (by whom, by the way?) … then McDowell would IMMEDIATELY say he was full of ish. And nothing like that happened.
He didn’t. He gave a BS apology with no real substance or specifics. And that’s been it.
He better pray there isn’t any video evidence of this actually happening because if there is, he’s likely done.
Kat
April 27th, 2011
8:55 pm
Using an adjective that describes a group of people to insinuate something negative is never acceptable, especially when someone is at work representing their employer. Which is why I respectfully disagree w/ jeffrey d’s boys being boys comment. If he had said as jeffrey d put it “Ha! You guys are so gay”..would some people think differently if was said “Ha! You guys are so black.” Same idea, different adjective. imho
Back to baseball talk….
LTBF
April 27th, 2011
8:55 pm
Outta here, later ya all, have a good one or two.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:56 pm
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater-
Don’t know. Most likely to some charity- that’s what usually happens.
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
8:57 pm
James- I completely agree. Its an absolute joke that runt decided to give a visual demonstration for some twins who are DAMAGED by this horrible image. It def. takes complete credibility away from them, in my book.
TRB
April 27th, 2011
8:58 pm
“I know I keep dwelling on it, but Richmond Braves Fan sort of brought it up and it’s a good point…Why did nobody bother to inform the Braves about this while they were in San Francisco??” — cabravesfan
According to DOB’s 6:58 post:
Braves Statement
“We were made aware of an incident in San Francisco this past Saturday. We are concerned by these allegations and the behavior described by a witness today. This in no way represents the Braves organization and the conduct we expect of our employees. We will withhold further comments until we finish gathering information.”
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:58 pm
i still say bogus unless roger comes out and apologizes…espn would’ve been all over this days ago
Tomahawkin (5)
April 27th, 2011
8:58 pm
I’m suprised that I haven’t even heard a peep about the McDowell issue on the Phillies forum
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
8:59 pm
TRB-
“We are concerned by these allegations and the behavior described by a witness today.
Described today seems to indicate that they had not heard them before that.
Abwright
April 27th, 2011
9:00 pm
Maybe Allred will have a news conference with just the little girls, saying how their Dad humiliated them by allowing a media wh0re to simulate an obscene act in public.
Soph
April 27th, 2011
9:01 pm
Well said, Kat.
Ron Roberts
April 27th, 2011
9:02 pm
1. He’s been a damn good pitching coach
2. He should be fired.
Anybody making a gay slur in SAN FRANCISCO has a certain level STUPIDITY entrenched in their brain, and anybody working in an MLB uniform who doesn’t get that his salary COMES from families with 9 year olds coming to the park and shelling out $150-250 a night for seats, concessions and souvenirs is clearly out of his mind.
The guy was a career MLB pitcher who, at this stage in his life, should be better calloused to the heckling of opposing fans better; apparently he’s not. The Braves and MLB should do the right thing and fire him immediately.
Jeff R
April 27th, 2011
9:03 pm
“Seems if they were lying, if this dad was just conjuring it up to get paid (by whom, by the way?) … then McDowell would IMMEDIATELY say he was full of ish. And nothing like that happened.”
Something happened – in other words, McDowell reacted – but it might not have been as bad as it’s being alleged.
McDowell’s not calling the shots on his response and apology. The Braves’ attorneys and management are riding herd. Might even have a crisis management consultant weight in.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
9:04 pm
Of course they should fire him now- why wait to find out if they are even true?
Bigwheel
April 27th, 2011
9:04 pm
this might take some sting away
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/04/27/mets.finances/index.html?eref=sihp
Kat
April 27th, 2011
9:04 pm
One more thought..which is just my opinion, so I will opine. Bigotry in any form whether it be about someone’s sex, race age, religion, sexual orientation, etc, always irritates me as there’s no point to it.
So how bout those Marlins?
davec
April 27th, 2011
9:04 pm
Folks this was in San Francisco.
How would you know the allegedly pink dressed girls were not two midgets in drag ?
Befour making any judgement I would like to hear both sides.
TRB
April 27th, 2011
9:04 pm
Yeah, cabravesfan, I was wondering about that myself after I re-read it. I may have been taking that first sentence the wrong way. Either that or the Braves learned more details about it today.
Larry
April 27th, 2011
9:06 pm
Here’s an idea…why don’t all of you judges bite your tongues until Roger can tell his side of the story? The guy is on a cross country flight.
Good grief!
T for Texas
April 27th, 2011
9:06 pm
She holds press conferences.
When the judge and the jury, are the media and the audience, that is where you plead your case.
Soph
April 27th, 2011
9:07 pm
RG, stay safe! I just saw there’s a tornado in progress near Rome.
Trey
April 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
chilidog, exactly. He’d better hope and pray that there is no evidence and deny everything. Keep denying until evidence is provided.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
TRB-
Just seems to me that if they knew about it in San Francisco and if all the family wants is an apology, then the whole thing could have been handled quickly and easily by the Braves arranging a meeting so Roger could apologize in person and everyone could move on.
DC Braves Fan
April 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
Snot – I can see your point about Sherrill but hey, our closer, who is much more important to the wellbeing of our team, needs to stay sharp.
Kat
April 27th, 2011
9:10 pm
Larry..I think a lot of people understand they are just allegations. But are talking in general about those types of comments and ‘if’ they are true their thoughts on it and what they feel could happen. Posting speculations and opinions something that happens on this blog all the time. I think for the Braves organization we all hope they’re not true.
keylargo
April 27th, 2011
9:10 pm
If McDowell threatened this guy with a bat, that’s pretty stupid of him.
McDowell was a pitcher for goodness sakes. And a relief pitcher at that!! Who could he hurt with a bat? Probably just swing and miss.
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
9:11 pm
CAB – you said something about convicting someone before the facts were known, then about 3 minutes later someone said “FIRE MCDOWELL! This is unacceptable!!”
Soph – did you see RG’s pics on Facebook of those enormous trees that were uprooted and blown over? Whew!
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
9:12 pm
jeffrey-
yeah I saw that
Got tired of responding to all of those people
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
9:13 pm
Maybe I’m just not sensitive enough, or not PC enough, but I don’t see the gay comments as being too bad. I hear them all over the place and don’t think too much of it. It’s just something guys say.
Venice Jim
April 27th, 2011
9:14 pm
Thanks for clarifying my position while I’m doing whatever it is I’m doing…
Soph
April 27th, 2011
9:14 pm
jeffrey – I did. I can’t believe trees that gigantic just toppled over – crazy stuff.
TennesseePaul
April 27th, 2011
9:16 pm
Braves coach accused of yelling gay slurs at fans
I think that one is my favorite headline.
Fan: You suck!
McDowell: Who dressed you, your mother? That ensemble completely clashes with your skin tones.
Jake W.
April 27th, 2011
9:16 pm
I’ll refrain from the Roger controversy but what a way to end the road trip. This good play needs to continue when we get home because it doesn’t get easier. I see Gearrin pitched another scoreless inning. If I remember correctly this was about the time last year when we got Jonny V. Not saying the guy has to be that good, but if he is solid that will be a huge plus for the pen. Jason seems to be back, Nate still hasn’t fallen off the face of the earth like so many believed. Starters have figured out its easier to win when you don’t give up early runs every game. Hopefully we’ve turned that corner for the better.
Stay safe Georgians and everybody else being affected by this weather.
cabravesfan
April 27th, 2011
9:16 pm
I try, VJ
(I almost called you that twice in an e-mail to a non-braves friend this afternoon
)
jeffrey d
April 27th, 2011
9:17 pm
Those trees had to be at least 100 years old. They’ve braved all kinds of weather, but this was the big one that did them in.
DiamondbackMac
April 27th, 2011
9:18 pm
Abwright
Maybe Allred will have a news conference with just the little girls, saying how their Dad humiliated them by allowing a media wh0re to simulate an obscene act in public.
I thought the same thing. I also thought she demonstrated McDowell’s alleged use of the bat for far too long.
flange1
April 27th, 2011
9:19 pm
I don’t know what happen with Roger M., we see about that as it plays out.
I am just sorry it had to happen now when the team is finally jelling to have this distraction come along.
This can be a good or a bad thing for team morale, hopefully it will not distract the team.