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627 comments Add your comment
Jeff
April 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
BL — well-said. Great comments.
Ben
April 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
If any of the incident happened I’d fire him. Most of us interact in a world where we encounter folks who are different from us. I go to GSU and see guys holding hands, kissing all the time. And, plain ole decorum says I don’t go up to ‘em and joke or slur about it. And also, McD isn’t just joe-employee or even a player. What he is is a mentor to young men, some not even old enough to rent a car. If he were a college coach, similar ages of players, and he did that he’d be gone in a flash. And that, either part of this story, is not an example I’d want my organization to set for the young men he mentors. If he were that offended, or the gentlemen were that obnoxious, he should have hopped on the phone to security. Why? Because it’s not his job to police fan behavior. No it wasn’t appropriate for those gentlemen to simulate a sex act with a bat around anyone, let alone two girls, but no one expects, tacitly or otherwise,those two to mentor on behalf of an organization. Ergo, there is a different standard of behavior. McD is an adult who plies his trade at a darn nice salary in a city which has a broad spectrum from all walks of life, ergo he should be expected to comport himself professionally when he isn’t in private. And, if he doesn’t like it, then find another JOB. Is there a professional among us, DOB or Caroll Rodgers included, who can look us in the face and say that they love absolutely everything about their job? We can go round and round about did Quinn overreact or are those gay men in the wrong for simulating a sex act in public. But it wasn’t McD’s job to police fan behavior. But there are folks who get paid to do that so he should have let them handle it. He should have walked away, people in metropolitan areas do things all the time that might not be appropriate to do around minors and if he feels that strongly about some of it, he should go crusade against it – on his own time, when a separate organization which doesn’t expressly share his goals pays him, at least in part, to mentor young men.
For that reason, he should be let go.
Brave New World
April 28th, 2011
12:55 pm
nemov: You are right, we must get the facts first. However, McDowell must have done something to warrant his initial apology. The bigger issues are whether or not he 1) threatened the dad; and 2) whether he made the comment using the f-bomb about kids not being at a ballpark. The other thing that seems terribly wrong is the “press conference” with Allred and the family – among other things, why would the parents allow their nine year olds to be subjected to that?
Wasabi
April 28th, 2011
12:55 pm
Have the parents of this family let their children watch a R rated movie with violence and foul language? If so, then case dismissed. They are being two-faced if they can tolerate it on tv or movies and not in real life. If Roger said (and I mean if) that kids don’t belong at the ballpark then he should be reprimanded and have to buy tickets for let’s say 1000 kids to a home game. There is no such thing as a gay slur so that part is also dismissed. Any man allowing another man to violate his mouth or rear end with his private part is just plain perverted. Anyone objecting to this is just plain perverted and people will see you for what you are.
Skeptical
April 28th, 2011
12:56 pm
There are two sides to every story and I am not sure that either are the full truth. I have had the good fortune to observe Roger’s interaction with kids and fans in stadiums outside Atlanta, he has always been cheerful and friendly, and typically is giving away ball after ball…I know, he signed one for my in Boston.
There may be much more to this than is being said.
Gay Braves' fan
April 28th, 2011
12:56 pm
the comments on this forum only reinforce the stereotypes Southerners face around the country.
I’m ashamed.
Wasabi
April 28th, 2011
12:57 pm
Also the term redneck is racist.If you do you should be fired.
Wasabi
April 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
Gay Braves fan. You should be ashamed of your behavior and not being from the south.
Brave New World
April 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
Gay Braves’ fan April 28th, 2011 12:56 pm the comments on this forum only reinforce the stereotypes Southerners face around the country. I’m ashamed.
GBF: I’m ashamed most times I find myself wasting time reading the majority of these blogs.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:00 pm
Gay Braves Fan – you should be ashamed. And it has nothing to do with the South.
Also consider that according to the SF Chronicle, this Quinn fellow first contacted ESPN to tell them he had a “Huge MLB story” for them. Sure looks like a money grab to me.
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:01 pm
Thanks Rick. That make a whole lot more sense. Especially the part about the kids being at the park. No way would a current or former ballplayer would say kids dont belong in the park. That part didnt add up.
Tom
April 28th, 2011
1:01 pm
Is Gloria Allred the only attorney In the SF area?? She’s the only one I ever see on tv! By the way, where are the 3 gays who started the initial debate with Roger, they have conveniently disappeared? Wonder what they said to Roger to piss him off so bad? Maybe they said something about one of his players or the team in general? Maybe he stood up for his guys? Saw a picture of the dad on the internet, he looked somewhat normal to me, oophs I forgot, can not say that about SF types. I would find it extremely hard to raise a family with Christian values in the great city of SF!!!!!!!
Mike
April 28th, 2011
1:02 pm
If the “sexual” gesture with the bat was so offensive to the kids, why did Gloria repeat it in front of them for the press conference?
AthensBrave
April 28th, 2011
1:03 pm
Good gracious people are soooooo whiny these days. Why can’t he just move on and forget about it. And the braves better not fire McDowell for this.
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:04 pm
He should not be fired for this. Suspend him for 5 games.
Bernard
April 28th, 2011
1:04 pm
Where’s Leo?????
Brave New World
April 28th, 2011
1:05 pm
Mike April 28th, 2011 1:02 pm If the “sexual” gesture with the bat was so offensive to the kids, why did Gloria repeat it in front of them for the press conference?
Mike: Spot on!
Andy K.
April 28th, 2011
1:05 pm
if you made similar comments at work, the worst you would receive is probation, and a we don’t even know the other side of the the story. So don’t call for the guy’s head just because of a news article. If all Kobe got was a fine, then that’s all I expect Roger will get…after all, Kobe is far more in the spotlight and public eye. It’s times like these where people fail to put themselves in these situations, like many of you. For some commenting here, it’s time to get off that horse.
bill
April 28th, 2011
1:06 pm
Players and officials should never respond to the crowd. The participants can only lose. If McDowell cursed in fromnt of the children intentionally and if he did make an obscene jesture with a bat then he has to go. If he did not make an obscene jesture a fine or suspension should do. Am I the only one who thought the family picture looked like a davinci copy of the last supper?
Brave New World
April 28th, 2011
1:06 pm
This just in: Braves hire Don Rickles as Roger McDowell’s sensitivity trainer.
NagoyaBrave
April 28th, 2011
1:07 pm
I always wondered why the Braves didn’t offer Leo the job after the Baltimore debacle. Roger had been here just a year, the pitching got worse, Leo seemed to be pining for a job. I always thought it was some bad blood between he and Bobby. Now this, I think we fans are thinking one thing: Bring back Mazzone. How cool would that be? Get rid of a hater, bring on a rocker.
steady
April 28th, 2011
1:07 pm
There are two sides to every story, we haven’t heard his side yet. Lets don’t judge him until we hear both sides.
Mike
April 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
Everyone is focusing too much on the gay comments because 98% of every article on this story “gay slurs” in the headline. IMHO, the real problems that may get him fired, are: 1) “how much are your teeth worth” while holding a bat, and 2) Kids don’t f’n belong in the ballpark.
For those of you defending McDowell, please defend him on these two points.
Fredi
April 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
Pickin’ on the white guy. Of course had it been the other way around they (and they know who “they” are) would be screaming it is only free speech.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:10 pm
LOL @ Brave New World.
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:10 pm
Fire him? ARE YOU CRAZY? He should get a slap on the wrist at most. He said what most people say or joke about everyday…especially since San Fran is the rear end of that joke on an hourly basis!
Should he say it, no….but who doesn’t joke about San Fran and Gay? haha! If anything, Roger is now my favorite coach of all time cause he sounds funny!
Man the media likes to suck the fun out of sports with dribble like this.
I’m more disturbed by the ‘KIDS’ at the ballpark statement. Cause that one just makes him sound like an idiot?
egr
April 28th, 2011
1:10 pm
I am sure its not the first time.If its true there should be others witness that hear the remarks. The kid remark ,and the sex act demo will be the things that hurt him the most. The braves gotto act they just got to figure out how harsh.
Fredi
April 28th, 2011
1:11 pm
And if you think I am defending Roger I AM NOT. This kinda garbage happens everyday in the real world….
CM
April 28th, 2011
1:11 pm
Isn’t San Fran known for their homosexuality? He was just speaking the truth. Can’t fault him for that.
Matt
April 28th, 2011
1:11 pm
I thought I’d mention that I haven’t come to this thread for hours… I should use a screen name next time to differentiate myself. So, there are at least two different people using the name “Matt” on this thread. It’s a common name.
Mike
April 28th, 2011
1:12 pm
@Andy K: you must work at a different company than I do. I would be walked out the door immediately.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:13 pm
Mike – not really defending Roger. I don’t think we have the whole story yet. For instance, during the news conference, Gloria MoneyGrab never mentioned the “teeth” comments in prepared statement of complaints. Why is that?
Trojan
April 28th, 2011
1:14 pm
Mike makes a great point. Why don’t the headlines say, “McDowell threatens children”? The whole focus is on the gay thing. It’s ok to threaten kids but it is not ok to be politically incorrect.
Tami
April 28th, 2011
1:14 pm
Whether Roger was provoked or not, he does have a responsibility as a coach for the Atlanta Braves — one of the class organizations in all of MLB — to hold his tongue and conduct properly, maturely and responsibly at all times. He has the right, even in another team’s ballpark, to call on Security if he feels threatened by the classless & drunk catcalling fans in the stands to have them dealt with.
Roger may actually not lose his job, this time. He’ll likely be fined, required to issue a public apology direct to the family that felt that they were offended — whether it’s justified or not (you know, PR spin). But in order to remain a coach in the Braves organization, he’ll be carefully monitored. I don’t think he gets a 3rd chance.
Peter
April 28th, 2011
1:15 pm
If these allegations are true, I don’t know any way that he can keep his job. His value as a pitching coach will not outweigh the potential distraction and negative attention the club will get this season if he keeps his job. That being said, lets wait to see exactly what information comes out from the current investigation before we condemn this guy.
Also, regarding possible replacements, I’ve only skimmed through the other posts but I don’t believe anyone has mentioned who I believe to be the most logical candidate, who is already under the Braves employ. That man being Thomas Michael Glavine.
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:17 pm
You guys are a bunch nilly willys. The folks writing on SF Cronicle site doubt this story more than you do. Let me say this if Gloria Alred is involved the story is either made up or exaggerated.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
New pitching coach?
How about Linebrink or Sherrill?
Hey, it’ll keep them off the mound.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:19 pm
Furman Bitcher is right. Navigate over to the SF Chronicle site and read up. And they are Giant fans.
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:20 pm
Where are other witnesses????
Gumby
April 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
Roger responded to some jerk heckling. Just because you buy a ticket doesn’t mean you get to be a jackass to the opposing team. If they have to fine Roger, OK get on with it. We have games to play and this a sport not some stupid PC talk show. IT”S A SPORT. Get over it and move on. He apologized but we didn’t even get to hear Roger’s side.
Jerry Seinfeld
April 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
This is the same guy that spit on Kramer after Mets game a few years back. He tried to blame it on Keith Hernandez
LongTimeATLfan
April 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
There is No Excuse for engaging any fan. The Braves do not need this crap, ever! See ya’ Roger!
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
Thanks Jimmy. They know Gloria Alred better than we do. To them once she came into the story it de-legitimized the story.
tony
April 28th, 2011
1:23 pm
yawn
honus
April 28th, 2011
1:23 pm
The Braves violated bylaw M, article N-Y, item 8.6: “One should never knowingly associate with any member of the ‘86 Mets.”
This incident with Roger is just nature’s way of correcting the error the Braves made by bringing in a member of such a fabled bunch of saints.
Furman Bitcher
April 28th, 2011
1:24 pm
Now you may be right there honus
Uggla's Uglies
April 28th, 2011
1:27 pm
I agree with a lot of the sentiment on the blog. It was a poor reaction that he will be fined and/or suspended for, rightfully or not. Personally, I think it is stupid that is is such a big deal. Language? Unfortunately, kids are going to hear it no matter what. I guarantee the kids have already heard the words either uttered by a parent, on a movie, or even seen a player say it on TV during the game. It isn’t hard to read lips when players drop F-bombs all the time.
I have heard way worse stuff than that hurled at Braves players in our own stadium than what Roger said. For instance, to quote a Phillies fan yelling at Frenchie back in 2007, “Your wife’s a good f**k, you f**king f*gg*ot”. That was the first time that I saw a player react to something a fan said. At which point, Francoeur yells back “I’ll come up there and kick your ass.” According to some people, Francoeur should be ashamed of himself and is classless by making a “threat” on the fans that were heckling him (We did get those Philly fans kicked out, because they started threatening to throw their bats (Brian McCann bat day) at Francoeur. Give me a break, I don’t care what Roger said… as long as he didn’t them or try to hit them. I side with the players/coaches. They can dish it, but they can’t take it.
Tom
April 28th, 2011
1:27 pm
A question, why would this dad choose to say something to Roger(Braves coach) and not say something to the tainting gays sitting near him. Did the gay guys language not offend his daughters or is it just that all SF folks(straight & gay) stick together! A picture of the dad on the internet looked to be about 160 lbs and on the passive side. Don’t think Roger would have needed a tooth-pick much less a bat to settle that discussion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mitchell
April 28th, 2011
1:28 pm
Once a Met, always a Met.
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:29 pm
If the Braves pitching sucked…….i’m sure it would be a great exit
But, pitching is awesome so you sweep it under the rug.
Gay slurs are part of life and will be for as long as people fail to understand the evolution of life. I mean it’s not rocket science. The piece fits and seems to serve a purpose at the same time! lol
El Bravo
April 28th, 2011
1:30 pm
I’m going to wait for all the facts to come out but, at the very least, he should be suspended and fined. I’m not sure if I would fire him over an isolated incident since there aren’t, to my knowledge, other grievances against him. What about this situation people don’t understand? He is not only an employee of the Braves but he’s in a managerial position. He is supposed to set an example for the 20-something year old pitchers he has in the pen not be the lead douche. Any type of conduct that embarrasses the company is grounds for disciplinary action, including termination.
Tom
April 28th, 2011
1:31 pm
LongTimeATLFan – Here’s hoping you become a LongTimeSFfan very soon and move back to the Left-Coast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JR
April 28th, 2011
1:33 pm
“The people he mixed it up with are called CUSTOMERS. If anyone on this blog was witnessed verbally harassing and threatening their customers, human resources would march your butt out the SAME DAY!!!! Bye Roger.”
Very few companies tolerate their customers verbally abusing their employees, either.
Saint Simons wierd friend
April 28th, 2011
1:33 pm
oh great Gloria Alldred, what a B….! that in itself is more offensive than what Roger said!!!!
So what?
April 28th, 2011
1:33 pm
Inconclusive reports are inconclusive. Nastier things are said in the stands directed towards players and other fans. You are extremely stupid if you expect well-behaved fans at any sports venue…i’m talking about youth leagues too. Roger shouldn’t have said nothin’, but I know the Giants fans were giving Brooks a real f*****G hard time. Seriously though, fans need to know their place. I would love to see fans get whooped on by players. Stupid fans can’t handle being fans.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:34 pm
Honus: are you saying that Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry and Len Dykstra were less than noble?
That makes me “madder” than Larry Flynt at a square dance.
b
April 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
nagoyabrave, Leo is not the answer.
He’s not the highly thought of guy you think he is.
The Braves would want no part of him.
Leo is the ultimate polititian.
Puma
April 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
http://nation.foxnews.com/gloria-allred/2011/04/28/gloria-allred-simulates-sex-baseball-bat-during-press-conference-children
Thought this was hilarious, especially since the guy demonstrates right in front of his kids! Not defending McDowell here, but come on, your kids are so offended then you do this right in front of them!!
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:36 pm
Fans are such a bunch of babies.
Just read this blog when the Braves are losing and you get all the examples you need.
p.s. I also like to cry by blog when we’re losing….it’s a great stress relief to blast Nate. OH wait, that was last year! I meant, blast Uggla!
reckingball
April 28th, 2011
1:37 pm
Ty Cobbonce climbed upon into the stands, and beat a crippled man in a wheel-chair, for calling him the N-word.
Tom
April 28th, 2011
1:38 pm
UGGlaUglies – Good blog, I liked it. Speaking of Jeff/Frenchy, he is hitting .330BA, with 5HRS and 20RBI’s in 25 games so far and has thrown out a couple guys from RF at the plate. I was one of those who did not want him to leave, players have bad years occasionally but they seem to bounced back. KC got him in a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Puma
April 28th, 2011
1:39 pm
Also funny that there is no story on MLB.com about this…
Politically Correct
April 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
No class, Roger. No class.
The one thing for which the Braves have shown NO patience over the years isa lack of class. Dieon Sanders, David Justice, Kenny Lofton, Tom Glavine…eventually they will get rid of the bad apples.
The Good Doctor
April 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
First, the man and his family were not the ones heckling McDowell. Three other fans did the heckling. McDowell responded to those first three fans with inappropriate words and gestures. The father did not heckle McDowell; he told him to watch his language in front of his daughters. Just about any father (including myself) would do the same. Then McDowell said kids don’t belong at baseball parks (Huh? Didn’t just about all of us begin to love baseball when our parents took us to games as kids?). McDowell then walked towards the father and threatened him with the bat, asking him how much his teeth were worth, which was an explicit threat that he was going to smash the father in the face with the bat. This is a criminal offense under any circumstances in any jurisdiction in America (the threat, not just the action). If these allegations prove to be true (and contrary to what some posters think, eyewitness testimony does qualify as evidence), then McDowell must be fired.
The gay slur and gestures were certainly inappropriate but would probably warrant no more than a suspension on their own. Saying nasty things about families and in front of them is grounds for firing and would be at any business in America. Threatening to smash a man’s teeth out with a baseball bat is a criminal offense and would normally lead to an arrest and probation. Who the father’s attorney is is irrelevant.
For those questioning the issue of free speech, you need to take a course on the constitution. The constitution protects citizens from the government controlling their rights to speak freely. It does not apply to private entities and the guidelines they set for the employees who represent them. The right to free speech means that the government cannot take action against citizens or organizations for criticizing the government or disseminating their opinions. Private corporations can and do expect their employees to conduct themselves to a certain standard, which is perfectly legal. Please learn about your American government before trying to use false patriotism to actually undermine the freedoms that the constitution gives us, one of which is terminating an employee who threatens customers and curses in front of children.
Finally, a few people have suggested that McDowell was justified because their beliefs condemn homosexuality. They are right that in their in their holy book it lists that sexual practice as an abomination. It also lists eating pork, eating shellfish, and wearing different patterns together as abominations of the same order. To those people I ask: Have you ever eaten bacon, a ham sandwich, or had a hot dog at the ballpark? Have you tried shrimp cocktail or crab dip? Have you ever worn solid color pants with a striped or plaid shirt? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions then you have committed a sin that is equivalent to homosexuality according to your book. On the other hand, that same book gives suggestions on how slavery should be properly conducted. In this case I would have to ask, “Who is the one with the moral deficit?” And it’s certainly not the family at the ballpark.
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:42 pm
I would never wear differnt patterns together……..I mean……CLASH!
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:42 pm
(insert gay slur here)
Bob Davis
April 28th, 2011
1:43 pm
“EG” wrote: “I won’t be going back to a Braves game until this jerk is fired.”
Hey, “EG,” is your support for the Braves that shallow? Whatever McDowell said or didn’t say–you won’t be going back?? And, to call McDowell a “jerk”??? I think the only jerk on here is you to making statements like that. Go ahead. Stay home. The Braves (or anyone else) don’t need you.
Who Sues For Things Like This?
April 28th, 2011
1:43 pm
Wealthy p*****s. That’s who.
ChrisfromSacramento, CA
April 28th, 2011
1:43 pm
I was at that game. I was near the bullpen when JJ was throwing and Roger was behind him. I was there watching for 45 minutes.
I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE WHAT IS BEING REPORTED.
THOSE GIANT FANS ARE LYING. I WAS THERE AND NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THESE THINGS BEING SAID. ONLY NASTY THINGS BY GIANT FANS
JP
April 28th, 2011
1:44 pm
It would very much surpise me if McDowell said/did half of the things being reported. If this really happened to the extent that the fan is alleging, how would there be so little if any news of this until a Glora Allred sponsored press conference? There are two sides to every story and I wish people wouldn’t rush to judgement.
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:45 pm
Fans don’t lie…they just demand changes to the batting order!
Mama Says
April 28th, 2011
1:45 pm
If Roger did this it is obviously unprofessional–from a business perspective. However those of u who think that it dosen’t matter what the fans say or do are living in a fantasy world. This world has begun to take the posture that regarless of any action taken by the non working individual are insignificant and all responsibility lies with the “professional”.
Well the problem with that is it allows people who are not “at work” to be irresponsible and instigating.
Teachers, Cops, Firemen, Garbage Men, Accountants, Reporters and everyone else have jobs to do but doing them shuld not put them at the mercy of those they serve.
Being at work is not a determining factor of whether or not u owe a person respect.
Although heckeling is part of sports had the fans kept their mouths shut in the first place there would have no confrontation.
Then you have this idiot who needs an attorney b/c he was cussed at.
The courts should fine him for wasting taxpayer dollars, unless he was in the stands I suspect Roger was suppose to have a bat in his hand, he is the assitant on a baseball team and he is at a baseball park.
jezz stupid people !
PJ
April 28th, 2011
1:45 pm
I think McDowell got it all wrong! HE IS THE ONE THAT DOES NOT BELONG AT A BALLPARK…NOT KIDS
Puma
April 28th, 2011
1:47 pm
Chris from Sac – I read in another SF blog that someone did see McDowell approach the stands waving the bat, but that they could not hear what was being said. Obviously, in these forums, you got to take this stuff for what it’s worth.
Unfortunately, he probably will be fired since the Braves really do not need the distraction. Roger seemed like a pretty cool customer, wonder what got into him, if the accusations are true, seems insane that anyone would do that, especially a coach.
cbflair
April 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
leave the man alone…. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?
Bob Ondeez
April 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
Funny how all of you people say you’re not going to attend a game until he’s fired, blah blah blah.
Judging by our attendance the last few years, you haven’t been going anyway. This was just your opportunity to whine and complain.
Fact of the matter is – we don’t know what was said to Roger and we likely never will. Gloria Allred is an ambulance chasing attorney and it’s likely that Roger didn’t even say what was claimed to be said.
For those of you who do attend games – ask yourself this question before you judge: How many times have you EVER seen a bat in a pitching coach’s hand? It’s just not part of their standard equipment.
Jimmy
April 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
Reports are coming out (yeah, I know – a SF term) that the three gay hecklers have been identified and are being interviewed. Someone had taken a photo of them.
They are Carl Ravitch (pink shorts,a Hawaiian shirt and a Philly hat on), a drunk John Kruk (with tight shorts oddly bunched to one side) and Buster Olney (exposing a recently shaved chest with “P” nipple ring).
They were all yelling that the Braves will never catch the Fightin’ Phillies.
At least, that is what I’m told.
TeheranTime
April 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
Look, I can buy that everyone has a bad day at the office. I really can. What I don’t understand is that Roger McDowell had a lengthy playing career. He is now a coach. They are looked to as on the field management. It is embarassing for a coach to act in this manner. It makes no difference whatsoever. Does he deserve suspension? Yes. Will he keep his job? Time will tell.
BIG BEE
April 28th, 2011
1:50 pm
Fire Roger only if the heckling fans are banned from SF BB games for the next 5 years. Call the Cochran Law Firm for Roger and he is guranteed to win any case against him. Uhnn, he didn’t kill anyone did he?
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:51 pm
I believe it’s the fans fault for not catching this on you tube.
Rowsdower
April 28th, 2011
1:53 pm
If this didn’t happen in the gay capital of America it would be a nonissue. He called a guy gay…he was probably right. The idiot that overheard him should’ve minded his own damn business, but this being the Land of the Lawsuit, he went and got a sleezy lawyer to extort money from the Braves. I hate this country sometimes…
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:54 pm
Bob, he had the bat in his hand because he was gonna club the dude in the face with it. Had nothing to do with what a pitching coach is doing with it. When you want to swing a bat at a guy’s face you kinda need a bat! haha!
Mark
April 28th, 2011
1:56 pm
Celebrity Lawyer?? No doubt McDoweel probably said what he said to the people with the bat, and No Doubt the father probably asked McDoweel to wath his language.
Celebrity Lawyer? Sounds like the rest of the stuff is just trumped up BS in order to get a monetary settlement. What BB player or Manager would ever say kid’s don’t belong at Ball park? Seriously!?!
Can’t Gloria get work defending Lohan, Brooks, or Sheen?
Fols
April 28th, 2011
1:56 pm
Roger was doomed, this was never going to be a clean fight! They like to attack you from behind!
ugahydro
April 28th, 2011
1:57 pm
damngooddawg, from someone raising two sons in San Francisco (and was at the game Sunday with both watching my Braves finish the sweep) I’d like to applaud your desire to stay away from my fair city. Our class and average IQ won’t be reduced and you won’t have to leave your tiny comfort zone and grow as a person, so its a win for everybody involved. I grew up in Georgia and some, not all, of the commentors on this story remind me of a big part of why I left.
Mark
April 28th, 2011
1:58 pm
Oh yeah, isn’t anybody concerned what effect simulatingg a sex act with a baseball bat would have on children? Don’t see the lawyer or the dad even mentioning that. SOmething smells here (like money)…
Notewise
April 28th, 2011
1:59 pm
Jeff–Don’t think my comment was a dumb one at all. It may be true that the fans instigated this confrontation, but Roger is a “professional” in that situation and capacity in a Braves uniform at the ballpark and is supposed to react in that manner or not at all.
egr
April 28th, 2011
1:59 pm
If Roger did say and do this he is wrong! but why would the father put his 9 year olds through all this with the media . And like someone said earlier why would Gloria and father demo the sex act with the bat in front of the girls. Roger is wrong and the father is wrong! oh well nothing surprise me these days.GO BRAVES
Greg
April 28th, 2011
1:59 pm
If you are McDowell even if the fan was obnoxious you cannot point that out in response to his allegations. You just have to take your medicine even if you were baited into a confrontation. Hiring a lawyer sounds like somebody who wants to make some money.
hugme
April 28th, 2011
2:00 pm
Sports aren’t violent, not at all… and the coaches and players are good role models. I know, let’s go and ban some video games… that’s the problem with kids today… it’s the video games… yeah…
It’s amazing how this happens over and over again in the sports world but people want to blame a community in which this never happens. If anyone is to blame for this it’s the people who support these coaches and players. When will you people wake up?
Fols
April 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
Roger was just trying to make a funny…
Come on, we’ve all dropped a slur and thought……oops……maybe that dudes gay? Who can honestly say they haven’t picked up a baseball bat and hammered the air?
Ugh…….i’m gonna go back to work now……….
ediddy
April 28th, 2011
2:03 pm
Grow up San Fran fans. You heckle to get a rise out of the player or coach and you dont like what you got back in response? Man up and suck up what you dish out.The ballpark is a great place for kids , but not if you engage in the berating of players or coaches in front of them.spare me.
evan
April 28th, 2011
2:03 pm
He was in SF – gay capital of the US. I think asking if it was a gay couple or a threesome was a good question given where he was. Last time I checked GAY isn’t a protected class. No rules about NOT hiring someone because they’re gay like there are for race, sex, nationality, disabled, etc.
Threatening to knock someones teeth out, gay or otherwise, is another thing entirely.
Let's Go Bravos!
April 28th, 2011
2:04 pm
if he was trying to be funny, he failed tremendously. If you are joking to make jokes, at least know that they are funny before you say anything. We all could forgive him if the comments made us laugh!
Fols
April 28th, 2011
2:06 pm
We just have to take it as the lesson it is.
I for one will NEVER make a gay slur in San Fran while being the pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves. I can promise you that!
Randy Hager
April 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
I tend to give Roger the benefit of the doubt. I see him at NorthPoint Church all the time….
Working Man
April 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
When you are on your employer’s time, you represent your employer. Freedom of speech is fine, on your own time.
Roger, your actions reflect on your employer, coworkers & organization.
Prepare for unemployment !
Fols
April 28th, 2011
2:11 pm
Working Man……sorry but employers care about results and the Braves pitching is a direct indication that Roger stays.
Those same ‘employers’ probably drop 100 gay slurs during a road trip to San Fran. Just not publicly with a bat inbetween their legs
C
April 28th, 2011
2:13 pm
It doesn’t matter what the hecklers said. He is a professional and a member of Braves coaching management. He is charged with comporting himself accordingly. It’s plain even in his vapid “apology” that he accepts no responsibility, choosing instead to blame hecklers for inciting him. What a fool.
Larvell Blanks
April 28th, 2011
2:13 pm
The Good Doctor 1:40 – “McDowell then walked towards the father and threatened him with the bat, asking him how much his teeth were worth, which was an explicit threat that he was going to smash the father in the face with the bat.”
Well, it was an explicit threat if “explicit” means “implicit,” instead of, you know, “explicit.” And if it happened. Neither of which, I wager, is true.