Braves can’t go lightly on discipline for McDowell, Lowe
Roger McDowell has helped Braves' pitchers but that won't help him now. (Jason Getz/AJC)
(Originally posted: 3:11 p.m. Updated throughout: 7:15 p.m.)
For the past two days, the Braves have been a staple on TMZ, with storylines about a coach’s alleged homophobia and a pitcher’s alleged drunk driving and street racing. Suddenly, they sit uncomfortably in the same talk show green room with Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and, “Sara Evans’ Ex: She Surrounds Our Kids with Drugs!”
And you thought Dan Uggla hitting .180 was a concern.
Derek Lowe has been charged with DUI and reckless driving. He allegedly was racing his Porsche through Buckhead Thursday night. This came a day after pitching coach Roger McDowell was accused of spewing anti-gay slurs and inappropriate comments to some fans at a recent game in San Francisco.
Lowe was at Turner Field Friday night and apologized. He will make his scheduled start Sunday, the Braves rationalizing that decision with the standard explanation of letting the legal process run its course (perhaps down Peachtree).
McDowell was not at the stadium. He has been placed on “administrative leave,” which doesn’t sound any worse than maternity leave. I guess the Braves don’t want to use the word “suspension” yet. At the very least, we can be certain Lowe won’t be driving McDowell to sensitivity classes.
Now, does any of this mean the Braves’ franchise is morphing into something between the Cincinnati Bengals and “Celebrity Rehab”? Hardly.
But it would be nice to see both the team and Major League Baseball take these matters seriously, rather than merely dismiss them with players, general managers and coaches making contrite statements and explaining that everybody makes mistakes, so let’s just move on.
I’m not trying to bury Lowe and McDowell. I’m not suggesting they be thrown out of baseball. But how is it that MLB allows Cincinnati pitcher Mike Leake to make a start two days after he’s arrested for shoplifting? And yes, while Lowe will get his due process — and likely eventually will plea his charges down to something resembling an expensive parking ticket — isn’t it just a little weird that he will take the mound Sunday, three days after being arrested and spending the night in jail?
Did Lowe ever consider skipping his start?
“No,” he said.
The Braves and MLB are moving slowly with McDowell. That’s understandable. There are multiple witnesses. Details are varied. One of the parties has turned this into a sideshow, bringing his 9-year-old twin daughters to a news conference the other day as props. He also has hired noted attorney Gloria Allred, who is fresh off representing a porn star and a kindergarten teacher for scoldings of Tiger Woods.
That woman has headline GPS.
But we know something happened because McDowell already has admitted, “I apologize to everyone for my actions.” Those aren’t the words of an innocent man.
He needs to be hit with a suspension, and hit hard. The absolute minimum: 30 games without pay, a significant fine and court-mandated Saying Stupid Things Rehab. If even half what has been alleged is true, most of us would be fired.
Commissioner Bud Selig just suspended Ozzie Guillen two games for Tweeting. Is he really going to go lightly on McDowell?
General manager Frank Wren was predictably guarded Friday. They are still sorting out details, and he acknowledged, “The commissioner is taking the lead on this.”
When asked if there was any chance McDowell could lose his job, Wren said: “I’m not going to get into any final determination of anything at this point.”
Asked the same question, manager Fredi Gonzalez said: “No, and it shouldn’t.”
Fredi didn’t get the memo.
This isn’t merely about us living in politically correct times. Baseball is still dealing with the beating of a Giants fan in Los Angeles. The NBA fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 for homophobic slurs. Feelings are a bit raw.
The Braves recognize their brand has been damaged. They haven’t been hit like this since John Rocker spoke so eloquently about the 7 Train to Flushing.
Said Lowe, “It’s been a rough couple of days for this organization and clearly I have a lot to do with that.”
He does. And such actions should not go unpunished.
By Jeff Schultz
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251 comments Add your comment
FJR
April 29th, 2011
3:14 pm
Pretty much signals that if they find anything he’s fired. If it’s inconclusive, he’ll just be suspended for responding at all to the fans.
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:18 pm
Jeff, can you provide some background on Dave Wallace?
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:21 pm
Is anyone going to tweet the comment from this press conference?
Kevin
April 29th, 2011
3:23 pm
Who is making the call on this one? Liberty Media? Wren? Cox? Who will get the final say?
Kevin
April 29th, 2011
3:24 pm
I am not sure Freddie was expecting these kinds of off field destractions when he got the job. He is having a rough first month. At least the team is playing better.
Hillbilly Deluxe
April 29th, 2011
3:25 pm
I think we should wait until the facts are in, before we make a judgement. Admittedly, I haven’t followed this closely but the things I’ve heard, all came from one source.
Joey
April 29th, 2011
3:27 pm
Sounds like fork-stickin’ time…..
Frank Wren
April 29th, 2011
3:28 pm
I’ll be available folks once I stop cussing and we’ve guessed that to be around 4 PM.
Hope we’re right or I might have to suspend myself.
ha ha ha ha.
John
April 29th, 2011
3:28 pm
John 14:6
midtownguy
April 29th, 2011
3:28 pm
If he made the statements and gestures being reported on “less polite and family-friendly” sites than the AJC, then he should be fired.
Big Bad
April 29th, 2011
3:28 pm
Jeff, what do you think should happen to both Roger and D. Lowe?
NCBravesFan
April 29th, 2011
3:29 pm
Just a guess – more witnesses are coming forward (in SF and perhaps even elsewhere?) and need to be interviewed. The administrative leave is a good move in the meantime – it pushes the issue to the sidelines and gets people focused on the games.
Jeff: I heard Quinn filed a police report Saturday. Are the SF Police still investigating?
JAE
April 29th, 2011
3:29 pm
Sounds like Charlie Sheen should have hung out with the Braves instead of Tech last week, they could’ve used some of his wisdom right about now…
twosidesto everything
April 29th, 2011
3:30 pm
How come no one is asking what was said to him from the bleachers? Should he have done what he did, No. But I don’t think he would just turn around and say those things without being razzed into it. Suspend him with or without pay, take the anger management class, and move on. May be ballparks should do a better job of controlling their fans. ALL ballparks not just San Fran.
Boswanger
April 29th, 2011
3:31 pm
Hillbilly, you got it. Last time I checked, it was a mighty thin pancake that did not have two sides to it.
Sounds like he said, she said, but his apology must signal he did something. So out of character for a professional who has done an outstanding job. We really don’t need this right now. If he actually did it in front of kids, then well, but those kids reading prepared statements…..lets get the facts before we through a guy and his career under the bus.
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:31 pm
Jeff, why are all the tickets for Saturday games this season in excess of $20, unless you sit high enough to see over the top of the Dome?
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
3:31 pm
If McDowell made the comments, especially in the presence of young children, then he should be suspended and made to take the currently popular “anger management” classes. However, whenever I hear the name Gloria Allred my gag reflex kicks in the I assume that whoever has hired that publicity addicted hack has to be some sort of a sleaze bag. If you need a lawyer, get a good one, not one who is on retainer to TMZ.
Big Bad
April 29th, 2011
3:33 pm
I agree with Bream Team. Whats up with that? No wonder attendance is slightly off.
Big Bad
April 29th, 2011
3:34 pm
I’m planning on coming up to the game tomorrow with friends and we best not see anyone from GLAAD or any other “special interest” group outside protesting. They may get their feelings hurt.
lanier
April 29th, 2011
3:35 pm
Bream Team you show know the answer. Its so they can get all the school kids allowance
FJR
April 29th, 2011
3:36 pm
Boswanger,
The main reason this pancake doesn’t have two sides to it is because all anybody has heard from McDowell is “I’m sorry I did some things”
Roger doesn’t have a side at this point because he hasn’t given one. I can tell you that as an attorney, his statement reads exactly like a boilerplate for “he did most of what was alleged, but he’s not sure yet what can be proven, so his lawyer doesn’t want him to admit to anything.”
If you know you didn’t do it, you deny. You only give vague apologies when you did it, but aren’t sure what can be proven. See Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi’s apologies, respectively.
JIMBOB (aka James Robert)
April 29th, 2011
3:39 pm
Free Rodger!
FJR
April 29th, 2011
3:39 pm
it’s also slightly skewed reporting that the AJC articles keep only referencing the gay slurs. There is also the issue of the threats to fans, those are perhaps even more problematic if true.
MDawg
April 29th, 2011
3:40 pm
It appears pretty obvious Roger said and did some things he shouldn’t have done, but it’s also pretty obvious by looking at the “victim” that he is just out to get his 15 minutes of fame and cash in on this unfortunate event. Fine or suspend him, and get over it.
Braves 2011
April 29th, 2011
3:40 pm
I think it was a Yahoo article that pointed out attendance dropping the last three years.
Braves attendance is down and these two incidents will not help.
Two lowest attended games at the Ted right before the road trip started.
Prediction: if the Braves can’t stay within range of the Phillies. it will get a lot worse.
A chance at the wildcard may not help if fans decide team is substandard and can’t beat the Phils.
Fans around the country are concluding MLB is a waste of money if only a few rich teams get a shot at a championship.
Good one Derek.
Wat to show some leadership when we need it.
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:41 pm
Dave Wallace appears to have been pitching coach for the Dodgers back in the day. Was also pitching coach on the 2004 Red Sox team.
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
3:42 pm
FJR if you are in fact an attorney, hopefully you work in the corporate arena somewhere down the yellow brick road and not in criminal law. You never admit anything. You apologize for the fact that the other person obviously misunderstood you. You forgot someone in your examples by the way. Roger Clemens who denied everything. So much for complete denials. if you think by being ambigious you are guilty and by being an outright liar you are innocent, you are confused.
Pitched-out
April 29th, 2011
3:44 pm
Maybe McDowell and Lowe can get together and go cry in their Beers!
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
3:45 pm
Just so you know folks, I’m adding to this blog as we go and I’ll rewrite completely after speaking to Frank Wren and Fredi Gonzalez. So keep checking back. Thanks, J.
midtownguy
April 29th, 2011
3:46 pm
It doesn’t matter what the fans said. He is the professional and the one wearing the Braves uniform. He has to be the one who controls his mouth, not the fans. Heckling fans come with the job.
That said, why does he have an attorney? And Gloria Allred none the less. I think he plans for the Braves organization to send his girls to college. Could he come down here to midtown and say some nasty, homophobic things to me? I need help paying off my mortgage.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
3:50 pm
@whatsimportant
You completely missed my point. When you are in fact innocent, you don’t make vague apologies, you deny everything. That doesn’t mean that if you are guilty you don’t deny everything as well. You’re doing what we call confusing a necessary condition with a sufficient condition.
Think of it this way:
innocent -> Deny
no deny -> no innocent
These statements DO NOT SAY
guilty -> no deny
which is what you were saying I said.
to summarize. When you are actually innocent you deny. End of story. When you are guilty but unsure of what can be proven, vague cryptic statements. If you are guilty and believe that they can’t prove anything, you deny (Roger Clemens). Can you think of a case where someone turned out to be innocent and only gave vague, cryptic apologies without denying?
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:53 pm
What’s the latest on us acquiring a right-handed bat for the bench?
iTiSi
April 29th, 2011
3:54 pm
I don’t even watch the NBA anymore because of its “thug mentality” and it won’t take but one more thing for me to drop the Braves “like a hot potato”. Many will not agree because the drug known as alcohol is so acceptable, and yes, legal, but IMHO what Lowe did is much worse than what McDowell did. Lowe was putting his life, and others, in jeopardy. There is no difference in what he did than walking down the street firing a gun randomly. His penalty should be much harsher than McDowell’s.
bowman
April 29th, 2011
3:55 pm
WWBD. Much of the emphasis the past few months has been the transition of on-the-field leadership and how the team would be managed differently under Gonzalez than Cox. A loss of professionalism may lead to further downfall. Maybe the team should be wearing wristbands with WWBD. What would Bobby do? Time for leadership to demonstrate that this remains a first-class organization. Adios McDowell. Penance, and perhaps rehab, for Lowe, even before legal issues are untangled.
bowman
– -
“Art will always be Art.” – Goethe
Mitchell
April 29th, 2011
3:56 pm
1st!
Oh, no. Guess I’m not.
Braves 2011
April 29th, 2011
3:57 pm
Seriously I think he could have saved us this mess with a simple apology and a baseball for each little girl. It’s the dad who is the main problem.
The gay guys might have thought him funny but given the chance to pile on…
They might like that piling on. lol.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
3:58 pm
I was sort of happy that I derailed the whole first thing with a semi-substantive first response.
Andrew
April 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
Sad to see this happen. When I first saw the story I thought, “Yeah right,” but it looks like this is legit. Normally, “Administrative Leave” is code for “we want to fire this guy, but he’s under contract and we need to find a loophole.” My money says Roger is gone by the end of the weekend.
That said, I don’t think the braves will really lose a step with their pitching. Wallace worked with most of the current crop of pitchers for years in the minors. Probably the best fit they could have gotten considering the situation. And for all those saying, “Bring Leo Back!” Not gonna happen.
Braves 2011
April 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
Brighten up everyone.
We’re not Tuscaloosa or Ringgold.
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
FJR – I can think of cases where people confessed when they weren’t guilty. In the public arena however the main thrust of everything is to appease the “aggrieved party”. It would hardly be circumspect for McDowell to say in a public announcement that the “aggrieved party” was thin skinned and shouldn’t eavesdrop on his conversation with heckling fans. Therefore you appease by apologizing for “whatever I did that pissed you off.” But you have convinced me that you are in fact an attorney vis-a-vis your “circular logic.”
PTC DAWG
April 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
It is NOT complicated…it IS BS.
Joel
April 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
This is ridiculous. People quit being so sensitive. Cmon, he said it he apologized, move on. He doesn’t need sensitivity or anger management. He needs a swift kick in the butt. It seems like that is what he got. Now lets play baseball! Who knows? Maybe he was offering to buy the guy’s teeth.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
Really, is there anything wrong with being on TMZ, if in fact they are?
I’m not endorsing their actions, it’s just this team is generally such a bore and have been forever even when they were winning 100 games a year.
At least we’re giving people something to talk about.
I mean, we basically were the best national league team all of summer in 2010 but by the time we got to the playoffs it was like we didn’t deserve to be there in many pundits’ eyes.
Many Pundits’ Eyes… great band by the way. Totally underrated. You guys gotta check ‘em out.
That’s a joke by the way. They’re no band named many pundits’ eyes.
Be cool if there was though, am I right?
david
April 29th, 2011
4:03 pm
Jeffy:
Are the Braves going to bring a certain person from 790 as the new pitching coach?
TommyJack
April 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
Scolded, yes. Fired, don’t be ridiculous.
Bawney Fwank
April 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
What are they going to do to the rowdy San Francisco, so called fans, that were cussing and making obscene and heterophobic comments and gestures while McDowell was trying to do his job, that started the whole incident?
Gloria Allred
April 29th, 2011
4:10 pm
Mr. Schultz,
Exactly what do you mean by your phrase “certainly can’t be done in San Francisco”.
Going forward with my class action lawsuit for assuming the worst with what you meant hangs in the balance.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:13 pm
whats important
Do you even know what circular logic is? I think you seem to be confusing a contrapositive statement with circular logic.
If you’re Roger McDowell and you absolutely didn’t make gay slurs and you absolutely did not threaten to bash the fans teeth in and you aboslutely didn’t say “kids don’t belong at the F’ing ballpark” then you say that. You say:
“While I deeply regret getting involved with heckiling fans in teh first place, I want to make absolutely clear that I, in no way shape or form, used a gay slur, threatened a fan or implied that children should not attend MLB ballgames. Again, I realize that the best course of action would have been to simply alert stadium sercurity, and I apologize for that. However, I did not do any of the specific actions that I am accused of and I want to make it clear that I, in no way, shape or form agree with those statements. What was accused of me was dispicable and I completely deny saying them.”
You do not say “I’m sorry for doing some things.” unless you did at least some of what you are accused of and don’t know what can be proven.
TheBlueIndian.com
April 29th, 2011
4:15 pm
Gloria Allred: That’s hilarious. I was thinking the same thing. I’m sure Schultzie will get a kick out of that comment.
MLH
April 29th, 2011
4:15 pm
So I guy can get fired for just responding to heckling fans, yet a player gets behind a wheel drunk, dangering the lives of other people, and his job will not be in jeopardy? Strange society we live in.
midtownguy
April 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
I do find it interesting that the presumably gay guys laughed it off and didn’t make a complaint, but the straight guy hired an attorney because his little girls heard it. Strange world.
And Gloria, you need a fact checker. Atlanta, not San Fransisco, has the highest percentage of gay residents of any major US city.
Hi
April 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
Looks like the Braves may be full of “thugs” now.
Friday
April 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
david
I doubt it since the guy isn’t at 790 lol. Maybe 680 might be receiving a call!
Mikey
April 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
B/F…Here is what a professional does….you call security and have the fan removed from the ballpark. I have seen this happen dozens of times. Go to a game sometime and start cursing and see how long you keep your seat.
Coach Rodney PTC
April 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
Call me! I will coach. It will get me away from these bored Moms
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
Here is typically what you say if you are innocent:
“First, I want to apologize for engaging the heckling fans in San Francisco. I know that I should have simply called security and have them handle that. It is vitally important that we keep the line between the playing field and the stands as clear as possible, and not engaging in the opposite way to hostile fans is just as important, if not more so than having the fans behave appropriately. I made a mistake in judgment in that regard and I greatly apologize for it. However, that being said, I want to make it clear that none of the specific allegations made towards me by the Quinn family are true. I, in no way, shape or form ascribe to the belief that children have no place at the ballpark. I unequivocally do not believe that threatening violence is an appropriate response to any fan, or any person at all. I find gay slurs to be especially vile. I absolutely did not do any of these things. I want to be clear about that. Again, I do sincerely apologize to MLB, the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants for even responding to heckling fans. I promise in the future to take a more appropriate course of action and alert security if such a situation were to arise.
J Seinfeld
April 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
Gloria, I was thinking the same thing. Not your smartest comment there Jeff. Trust me; I know a bit about this kind of situations. I was once labelled an anti-dentite for some comments I made…
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
Friday – Maybe the guy is talking about “I know everything there is to know about baseball Chris Dimino” over at 790, but I think Dimino is waiting for the General Manager job, not pitching coach.
dobearsbare
April 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
It’s interesting that Allred is asking for a fine, suspension and counseling. Would’ve thought the plaintiff’s lawyer would’ve gone straight to the “fire him” chorus. Also, she’s trotted out another alleged incident, which would indicate there might be a pattern of behavior here.
Anyone else thinking the Braves are simpling having Wallace keep the seat warm while they negotiate with Leo Mazzone?
PMC
April 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Is it bad that I just don’t care? I mean, some idiot jock said something offensive at a ball game.
Yeah… lets sue him for it…. lets get everyone’s favorite ambulance chaser on the job.
If he loses his job for it that’s fine with me too, be more mature and ignore idiot fans. Remember who and where you are.
But…seriously, the fact that this is a story at all is pathetic. It never should have gone past a stupid exchange between stupid people.
If you call a lawyer because you’re “offended” then yes you are an idiot and you’re part of the freaking problem.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
midtown guy,
Atlanta actually has a greater percentage of identifying gays in the metro area than San Francisco. It was a big story recently.
Gloria Allred
April 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Midtown guy – First hand knowledge????
john rocker
April 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
hell i got kicked out of the game for the same thing
Steak Shapiro
April 29th, 2011
4:24 pm
Yes, David. You figured it out. I will be resigning from my softball coaching duties at the JCC to join the Braves coaching staff.
MitchC
April 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Jeff, I agree with the McDowell move. I really think he should be fired. Behavior like that cant be tolerated.
As for Lowe. I was very sorry to hear about what happened. Other players have been arrested for DUI, and, while what Derek did was bad, it wouldnt be so magnified, if it hadnt happened in the same week as the McDowell thing. I hope the Lowe situation can be resolved.
david
April 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
@Friday DOHE!!!!!!!
Let’s just cut to the chase Leo Mazzone wants to coach again. It may be the best PR move the Braves came make.
PMC
April 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
In the future, unless there’s proof, it’s better to completely and totally deny everything.
Stinger2
April 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
Too much premature publicity about this. Everybody needs to wait until the Braves and MLB conclude the investigation before calling for Roger to be fired. Administrative leave is the right action for the time being The media and the fans do not have the fands and have no right to judge this incident.
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
FJR – Exactly what I said. “sorry if you are so thin-skinned you misunderstood me and got pissed off.” Only mine doesn’t cost $300.00 an hour and put people to sleep.
Stinger2
April 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
make that do not have the facts to judge…..
Jose
April 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
The Bream Team
April 29th, 2011
3:18 pm
Jeff, can you provide some background on Dave Wallace?
He was the Reason Chipper Jones was so great at Shea…He was the Pitching Coach of the Mets those days
Gwinnett Fred
April 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
The amazing thing to me is that one guy (McDowell) is going to possibly lose his job for making stupid comments and acting like a typical prima donna.
The other guy (Lowe) endangered many lives with his DUI wreckless driving stunt and people are ready to pass that off much more easily.
Pretty screwed up set of priorities we, as a society, have established if you ask me.
david
April 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
@Whats Important too funny
@Steak Shapiro funnier
TDawgMoney
April 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
The Bible is “crystal clear” about homosexuality. It is a sin….an abomination….in effect a stynch in the nostrils of God.
daddo
April 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
What kills me is how everyone has focused on his politically incorrect anti-gay language. I am more upset having him threaten this family as he walked toward them with a bat in his hand. Guess it is just me but a potential act of violence is always worse than words.
Mr. Holmes
April 29th, 2011
4:37 pm
If they fire McDowell, there’s an unemployed pitching coach doing nothing but waking up way too early in the morning to talk Notre Dame football with an ex-FM jock and a FILA-wearing blowhard.
Steve
April 29th, 2011
4:37 pm
Others have said it, but it seems to be lost in the sexual orientation banter. Roger should be fired for what he did to the father in front of his kids. Imagine that happening to you — you are trying to shield your 9 year-olds from Roger’s fraternity house sense of humor and he walks over and threatens you with a bat. Immediate termination — no questions asked.
jojo
April 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
ALL THIS CRAP ABOUT ROGER IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LOT OF “BS”. I DON’T THINK ITS RIGHT FOR FANS TO HECKLE PLAYERS AND COACHES. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WAS SAIDE TO MCDOWELL.
NOW FOR LOWE DUI AND RACING IS IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE. THROW THE BOOK AT HIM. WHO IS GOING TO PUNISH MR WREN FOR CONRAD AND MATHER?
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
@whats important
You again miss the whole point. What I’m saying is that knowing how lawyers advise their clients, what Roger said is exactly what a lawyer advises a guilty client who is unsure of what can be proven to say. If your client says he is absolutely innocent, then you advise him to give the type of apology I wrote above. Yes, you are right, the stuff is basically boilerplate boring language, that’s the whole point.
Honky Talkin'
April 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
Bring back Leo!!!
Double Zero Eight
April 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
If he is let go, bring back Leo Mazzone.
PMC
April 29th, 2011
4:41 pm
seriously doubt any “threatening” went on at all. Whatsoever.
They went as sensational as they could at all. That’s a bunch of BS.
Mr. Holmes
April 29th, 2011
4:41 pm
The Bible is crystal clear about lots of things, like owning slaves and stoning to death women discovered on their wedding to have already been deflowered.
Doesn’t mean we need to pay attention to it.
Whats Important
April 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
FJR – Apparently the whole point is that your practice is so slow that you have time to flex you legal muscles on an AJC blog, hence no billable hours. I, on the other hand, work for an attorney who had a golf outing today, so I am still getting paid while yanking your chain.
Steve
April 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
You people who are saying he should be fired are MORONS! Look what Rocker said. He was not fired. Look at those NBA players who FOUGHT fans, in the stands a few years ago, they were NOT fired. Kobe made comments recently about gays, he was not fired. Relax! A fine and short suspension will do just fine.
Mark (another one)
April 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
I would bet that McDowell’s contract is employment at will. If the Braves want to fire him for his poor behavior, they simply do so. Coaches don’t have a union to protect them and the job market is tight. That said, the Braves value McDowell or he wouldn’t be the coach. The questions are what exactly happened and what do they do?
I expect that McDowell came clean with the Braves about what happened, and it probably doesn’t match exactly what is being said in San Franciso in the media. Not unusual. The Braves have to hear out the people involved and make a decision. I hope this single incident doesn’t cost him his job but that depends on how far people in San Francisco push it, and what the Braves and McDowell are willing to do.
Based on what I’ve read, I vote for anger management, season tickets to the Giants for the family, and a public apology. If they are looking to cash in more than that, let them be the bad guys as some swearing and inappropriate language doesn’t call for ending his career.
Drexel Gal
April 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
Regardless of anyone’s feelings and attitudes about gays, McDowell’s vile language directed at the two kids in the stands (”… [they] don’t belong in a f—in’ ballpark …”) should effectively end his career. MLB keeps bragging about its appeal to youth (and, remember, kids are tomorrow’s customers) … let’s see the game (and the Braves) back up their talk.
midtownguy
April 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
FJR, must be with the new census, I remember highest percentage.
And Gloria, I have only had first hand knowledge of myself and my partner for the past 25 years. Everyone else I am counting I am only assuming .
chris
April 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
midtown guy- GREAT point!..chances are the kid heard worse in the school hall way from his buddies but in this age where everyone wants their 15 minutes in the sun we now have Gloria Alred, ms. poster child for puke when it comes to brains, and a family wanting an apology and suspension. McDowell was an idiot for saying the things he did publicly and should have known that something was going to happen when he did; He gave the apology, put him on suspension and let’s get on with the season please . Lowe on the other hand, not sure what to say..he’s lucky no one got hurt.
rotomeister
April 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Not to excuse McDowell, but didn’t we have a President of the U.S. commit perjury and stay on the job? Why didn’t Clinton get put on administrative leave?
John
April 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Can I call Roger a “thug” along with Lowe? Is that word still reserved for only one group of people in our society? Help me out someone.
Steve
April 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
No John. A “thug” is someone who is covered in tattoos, wears hats sideways with the sticker and tag still on, robs people, kills people, breaks into homes, etc. A simple DUI is very common, as is bad language, those are things I mentioned are not, unless you live in Atlanta.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
whats important,
I’m now in house at a large insurance company. I don’t have billable requirements. I do stuff when stuff comes in.
I’m glad to know that you just work for a lawyer as opposed to being one. If you plan on being a lawyer, have fun taking the LSAT based on your “knowledge” of “circular arguments” and conditional statements.
P. Bull Terrior
April 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Gwinnett Fred is exactly right. Its sad that we live in a society that is more offended by a guy making rude remarks than a guy who endangers the lives of dozens of people with his reckless behavior. Danny Heatley killed his teammate speeding down the streets of Atlanta and most people felt sorry for him. John Rocker said some dumb things and most people still hate him to this day. Roger may well lose his job over his dumb remarks, but Lowe will just pay a fine and move on. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I would much rather be insulted by a loud mouthed idiot than run over by a drunk idiot.
Lowe needs to Go
April 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Derek Lowe TAKES HOME more than $375,000 every 2 weeks, and he won’t take a cab? He put others lives at risk. It is becoming harder and harder for me to justify spending some of my teacher’s salary going to a game.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Here’s Derek Lowe’s statement. Going to start working on column now.
“I would like to apologize to my family, teammates, fans and the Braves organization for the attention arising from this matter, however I am hopeful that this incident will not be a distraction to the Braves organization while we are focused on returning to the playoffs. This is a legal matter and I anticipate this case can promptly be resolved within the court system.” – Derek Lowe
John
April 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
@Steve: Really? Because the word “thug” has been tossed around these blogs for far less serious offenses then what Roger the Thug and Lowe the Thug are being charged with.
Richard Pettys Jr
April 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Did anyone notice that the attorney for Quinn is none other than Gloria Allred? With all due respect, if she is involved, MLB will never see the true facts as they are completely obscured in the interest of her personal publicity. She never saw a truth worth telling.
However, MLB will cave and force the Braves to cave. The suspension means “Bye bye Roger”.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
@steve
so wearing a hat a certain way has more to do with being a thug than racing a porsche, on one of the busiest streets in atlanta, refusing a breathalyzer, failing a field sobriety test? If so, then being a thug really doesn’t mean anything important does it?
I also think your definition of “simple DUI” is a little off. A simple DUI is getting pulled over after leaving a bar and drinking two beers. Still awful, but nowhere near again, racing a prosche, while drunk, on one of the busiest streets in a busy metropolitan area at a time of night when many people are walking and driving on that road.
midtownguy
April 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
I look at all them collectively from McDowell, to Lowe to Kobe and get all Cedric the Entertainer “You a grown ass man!” Gown men with wives and children who can’t control their temper or behavior. Didn’t most of us learn to do that somewhere between our 18th and 21st birthday?
Steve
April 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
Nice try John. Most of us know the truth. Think what you want.
jfreak13713
April 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
OMG! A gay slur? Really? Let me say this to MLB and the Atlanta Braves if you fire this man you will lose my business and support forever! I am a life long Braves fan and attend games often but if you ruin a good man over something so silly a “name” calling then you will have to find another fan because I will go support another team.
I don’t care if their feelings got hurt or they were offended by his remarks. NONE of them care about my feelings or my children when they parade around in drag or leather and force me to explain to my child what the hell is going on do they? NO! And you know what thats ok because they have a right to be gay in this country and that is what I explain to my kids. But their right to be gay does not limit my right to not support or even not like them because they are gay as long as I do no physical harm. We are now at a point where someone getting their feelings hurts warrants lawsuits and others getting fired because he does not agree with a certain lifestyl.
Go ahead Braves fires this man and you will lose me and my family forever! Do you not think worse things are said in New York or Philly. Tired of the PC!
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
@Lowe needs to go
It’s hard to convince your cabbie to drag race down peachtree. Also the cab typically won’t go as fast as Lowe’s porsche.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
jfreak,
you also missed the part where he is accused of threatening violence to a bystander “not the people he called gay” and said “kids don’t belong at the f’ing ballpark”
Again, those are just allegations, but it’s more than just a gay slur. Admittedly the AJC’s headlines have been pretty terrible int hat regard, focusing on the gay slur, probably as an attention grab.
John
April 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
@Steve – and I sure hope no one in your family is on the road when a simple DUI is being committed by someone. I find it odd and pathetic that you classify a DUI as “simple”.
John
April 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
@Steve – Thanks for confirming your bigotry, just making sure.
Sheryl Emmett
April 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
Braves = Class. McDowell = Homophobic Idiot. You cannot have one of your employees destroying your organization’s well-earned character with that crap gushing from his mouth. Big mouth = no brains and tiny you know what. He has to go.
John
April 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
@Steve – thank for confirming your bigotry, just making sure.
Action
April 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
“It can’t be done now, and it certainly can’t be done in San Francisco.” Bashing is bashing, pal…no matter what city. Just sayin’
Joey
April 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
So, it’s okay he threatened a straight guy with a baseball bat, but oh hell, he insulted some gays, so we got to suspend him?
I wish McDowell had the money to retire (and he may), walk in a press conference with the PC Police waiting pantingly for him to grovel, and tell em all to go to hell.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
Frank Wren statement: “We’re disappointed as an organization by the developments of the last three days. We have a long-standing reputation in this community and in major league baseball that we’re very proud of. We just finished speaking with out players, our manager and our coaches, and we all strive to represent the Atlanta Braves, this city, our fans throughout Braves country in the proper fashion. Unfortunately mistakes have been made and we will deal with them at the appropriate time after careful consideration of all the facts. I can assure you we are all mindful of the platform that we have in this community and will be more diligent going forward.”
FJR
April 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
@john
I’d hate to see what he calls a “non-simple DUI” Flying a jet fighter armed with nuclear weapons down 75/85 during rush hour while chugging a handle of Jose Cuervo?
Lowe needs to Go
April 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
Hey Joey,
It is just the media that is making the Mcdowell issue all about the gay slur. If he gets fired/suspended it will be about more than just that.
Thrash
April 29th, 2011
5:07 pm
Lowe should apologize…. for buying a lame Porsche Panamera! Geez, thats a car you shouldn’t be caught dead in.
three jack
April 29th, 2011
5:14 pm
The wussification of America continues. If the 4 guys in San Fran are so sensitive that this hurt their feelings, then McDowell probably told the truth. Much ado about nothing, get over it wusses!
JSS
April 29th, 2011
5:21 pm
Send Lowe the pictures of the Dany Heatley carnage. Road Atlanta offers track time if he has a need to blowout the Black Forest muscle.
And these blogs are a haven for Homophobia. McDowell needs to sit there and really get a grip on that hate issue he exhibited in San Francisco. You guys and ladies can pooh pooh that deep seated bias all you like; but you are making the same mistake that you made with racial bigotry. It does nothing but hinder the potential of this region…
Can it be true?
April 29th, 2011
5:22 pm
Not supporting anything he might have said but what happened to freedom of speech?
chief pitchanono
April 29th, 2011
5:23 pm
Yeah it seems like the Braves are falling apart, right after they seem to have things going right on the field, but hopefully the guys stay focused and don’t let all this effect their performance. Everybody makes mistakes, and I don’t see this being anything more than an isolated incident with both of them. A month from now all this will be old news and they will move on with or without Mcdowell. Nothing against Freddy, but these are the times when it was comforting haveing old Bobby around. I do like that they are takeing their time with the Mcdowell thing though, its important that they get all the facts in that situation and make the right move. There is allways two sides of the story and we have heard very little of Mcdowell’s take on it. I suspect that if their is any doubt about his actions he will only be suspended, but there has got to be a allot of people who heard this including some of the players so if they feel that he really said most of what is being reported then I suspect he will be fired. Keep your heads up Boys and go red bird hunting! The rest will take care of itself.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
@can it be true?
Freedom of speech is only a concept that applies to the government. Non-governmental employers can fire you for speech all they want.
Caseyatthebat
April 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
Mr. Holmes……..It seems to me that if we paid a little more attention to what’s in the Bible we’d have far less trouble with things like this.
JSS
April 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Check your filter…
FJR
April 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
@caseyatthebat
agreed, I’m pretty sure that the new testament is more clear on threatening bodily harm on another than it is homosexuality.
jerry
April 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
If they were all like McDowell, he is correct on one point. Kids would not belong in baseball parks.
Cam's (Fig) Newton
April 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Guy on blog earlier sadi the lil weasel with Allred provoked him (McD). He looks like a San FRan F——ot. F it Ill beat his arse and that Tranny Allred’s too. is it me or does she look like Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky horror Picture Show?
jerry
April 29th, 2011
5:46 pm
FJR@……………
Names for the Bible – Capitalize all names for the Bible, for parts and versions of the Bible and all names of other sacred books.
Examples:
· Bible · Scriptures · Word of God · Holy Bible · Old Testament · New Testament
· Gospels · Ten Commandments · Lord’s Prayer · Gospels · Gospel of Luke
· King James Version · New International Version
Einsteindawg
April 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
Good luck Mr. McDowell. On the bright side, our starting pitchers are now free to throw strikes. To date our starters must be leading the league in pitch count. At this rate, they’ll be worn out by August.
Cam's (Fig) Newton
April 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
Hey Jeff, just askin, but is liberal speech the only free speech allowed? Lets face it….you cant call names anymore, even if someone is a walking violation of the laws of nature. Good thing the police dont enforce those laws.
JP
April 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
Call Dr Phil and let them all meet together for a big counseling session. Dr Phil will send McDowell to a rehab center to work out his inner demons.
FJR
April 29th, 2011
5:50 pm
@jerry
this is the comments section of a blog, not a MLA works cited page. I barely capitalize proper names.
jerry
April 29th, 2011
5:54 pm
fjr i notice you do your initials on this blog. but what the hell, i pretty much knew that you knew it all.
Joey
April 29th, 2011
5:55 pm
Maybe the President should have them all over for a beer . . .
extremus
April 29th, 2011
5:55 pm
Frankly I would have been very happy if the worst trial of Freddi Gonzalez’s first season of tenure was simply getting the offense back on track. These two occurrences happening so close together (and let’s face it, not by some wet-behind-the-ears rookies) could be a sign that things are now too lax in the Braves clubhouse. I hope not, but you didn’t read about this kind of stuff very often under Bobby Cox’s watch (and when it did happen, the situation was handled quickly and decisively, often with the offending individuals finding career opportunities elsewhere). Regardless, a lot of eyes will be on Gonzalez and on the Braves as an organization regarding how they respond to this and whether they can swiftly get past it and move on with baseball.
JacketFanMarcus
April 29th, 2011
5:59 pm
This stuff wouldn’t have happened under Bobby Cox!!!
jp
April 29th, 2011
6:03 pm
Mr. McDowell needs to be reminded that children attend Major league baseball games. If what he did is even partially true than he needs to be taken and dropped off in the Castro District of San Francisco and let him rant his slurs there to see what happens to him. I bet a few big guys there would like to use baseball bats on him in ways he can’t even imagine. After that, locker rooms and showers my take on a whole new meaning…..
FJR
April 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
@jerry
what’s your deal with capitalization?
braves bobblehead 3
April 29th, 2011
6:32 pm
Braves 2011 I agree, this could have been defused but when feminist and media protagonist Gloria Alred gets involved expect a show. If McDowell is guilty, suspension and fines, we have people in sports that have killed people and received less media attention than this. I think it’s shows very bad judgment on McDowell not to just walk away at hecklers, and if this attitude is not corrected then I would fire him, not now.
jerry
April 29th, 2011
6:33 pm
fjr@
no problem
i just sometimes wonder why know-it-alls don’t know
when they are being needled. i mean it makes me
think maybe they don’t know it all.
braves bobblehead 3
April 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
Also the kids not belonging at the game is disturbing considering baseball is a family sport and whatever your sexuality is, people attending the games pay his salary, and maybe he needs some of that salary to be removed.
JSS
April 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
Can it be true?
April 29th, 2011
5:22 pm
“but what happened to freedom of speech?”
I know you’re just being snarky with that comment. So “Can it be true?,” with that “Freedom of Speech” comes the reality of consequences. You can bare witness to it, and in no other franchise should it not be more evident simply because of the lesson of John Rocker. That is not political correctness, that is that obviously overused term: “Common Sense!”
Greg
April 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
I don’t agree with his behavior, but it seems like the heckling from fans is a bit out of control as well.
Don’t dish it out of you can’t take it back.
Mike
April 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
If it was just a gay comment – so what? Fine the guy and let it go. But if he did actually threaten fans, one with a baseball bat and intentionally use such profane language in front of children, then he is toast. No place for this. If a heckling fan persists, then you walk away. Maybe the word could have been given back to the park officials and they could have had security calm down the fan or remove him. But you don’t curse and threaten in front of kids. No place for this.
Gwinnett Fred
April 29th, 2011
6:58 pm
@Greg – the trouble McDowell is in is NOT for the “dishing back” to the hecklers – it’s to the reply to the family that asked him to quit using that language in front of their 9 year old daughters.
Also, it’s pretty lame for anybody in uniform to basically invite someone in the stands to come on down and have it out seeing how the instant anybody leaves the seats they are arrested for tresspassing. Boy howdy, that takes a lot of courage to point a baseball bat at someone in a threatening manner and invite them to come see you where you know they are not permitted.
As for Lowe- he’ll hopefully lose his licence for at least a year (like Joe Schmoe that gets a DUI while committing other offenses at the same time) – that and have to watch “Blood on the Highway” about a half dozen times while in defensive driving school. About 40 hours of picking up trash along Peachtree Street at night hoping he isn’t hit by a drunk driver might make an impact on him too.
JASon
April 29th, 2011
7:04 pm
I think the comments about children not being allowed at the ballpark are worse. I don’t even think “homo” is a derogatory term for gay people. What Kobe said was 10 times worse. So I think this will blow over.
Greg
April 29th, 2011
7:05 pm
The lesson the young kid should be learning is that 1) Her dad is too sensitive to attend live sporting
events and 2) how to identify an empty and harmless threat.
McDowell's Seinfeld Loogie
April 29th, 2011
7:16 pm
The pvssification of this country is truely frightening.
Boswanger
April 29th, 2011
7:16 pm
FJR, you missed the point. I understand your knowledgeable legal explanation, but Roger is not a lawyer, he had a mic in his face and said what came out. He may well have said something he should not have said, but probably not to the degree to which he is accused. You get a high dollar publicity hack like Allred in there, with kids reading prepared statements, now what does a 9 year old know about sex acts anyway. Big payday is all I smell. Get off the PC bandwagon and do what a lawyer is supposed to do, wha is right…..look at the scales. Kudo to Frank Wren for doing this right, investigating, interviewing, etc.
Whatever is right will prevail.
On another matter, people died and lost their homes Wednesday night, lets keep things in perspective here. Come on, lets take the high road…
Gwinnett Fred
April 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
Sure hope the “presser” was more than just the two prepared statements that were posted. If so, that’s pretty lame. Hope they fed you guys for wasting your time having to cover this if that’s all that came out of it.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
Folks, the new column has been posted (replacing the old one). Let me know what you think. Thanks, Jeff.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/04/29/braves-place-roger-mcdowell-on-administrative-leave/
Wxwax
April 29th, 2011
7:34 pm
Walking up to a fan with a bat in your hand and saying “How much are your teeth worth?” is really serious stuff. He showed a serious lack of judgment. The gay stuff is secondary.
braves rule
April 29th, 2011
7:36 pm
just get the braves to cut a nice check to the money hungry family looking for a quick payday—suspend mcd for 2-3 games and this will all go away quickly.
MikeF
April 29th, 2011
7:36 pm
As a native San Franciscan and life long World Champion San Francisco Giants fan, the one thing that disturbed me about this column was there was no mention of McDowell brandishing the bat in a threatening manner, and the fact that he is alleged to have said, “kids have no place at the ballpark”. (I love reading other teams sportswriters and getting there take on the issue.) And McDowell is certainly lucky that he mouthed off to a very tolerant fan.
MitchC
April 29th, 2011
7:37 pm
Jeff, can I ask you this question: You admit that if any of us in “real life jobs” had done what McDowell did.. we would have been fired.. shown the door.. so.. why does it seem that you advocate he only be hit with a suspension?
I told Mark Bradley last night that I really believe McDowell should be fired. What he did is that serious. Yes, the Braves are going through a transition year after the retirement of our manager after 20 years, and yes, the pitching coach is a very important position on the team.. but.. if they keep McDowell, after he engaged in such blatant insults, against the very people who pay the players and coaches salaries.. the fans.. what message does that send? Most fans.. myself included.. dont even come close to making what these spoiled players and coaches do. In a recovering economy especially, the teams need the fans more than ever..
I’m straight, for the record. (Not that my sexual orientation matters), but.. I could see a scenario where gay and lesbian groups could call for a boycott of Braves home games, if McDowell is not shown the door.
I’d get rid of him… but.. I’m not the Braves hirearchy. I know some won’t agree, but.. I feel his actions are incorrigable, unforgivable, and he should not have a job in major league baseball., at least for the rest of this season.. after engaging in such a revolting act.
Bill Robinson
April 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
Jeff, Fredi got the memo!! He said what he said, so that management could overrule him. New jobs will be created, but Fredi tried to save the old guys’ jobs, but he couldn’t!! The players will love Fredi for it and try to reward him with a pennant. A pennant means the players can vote the old guys a post season share. Everybody’s happy; the fans, the players, Fredi, Liberty Media and the AJC and me!
Roscoe P. Coltrain
April 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
“I’ll get those Duke Boys Keew Keew!”
Paradox
April 29th, 2011
7:47 pm
“The absolute minimum: 30 games without pay, a significant fine and court-mandated Saying Stupid Things Rehab. If even half what has been alleged is true, most of us would be fired.”
–If this is the punishment for spewing anti-gay slurs then what should be the punishment for racing 5000 lbs of car down the road while under the influence? If you compare the actual death tolls of the two offences, which is the most significant?! The time needs to fit the crime. Never known anyone killed by a slur but space does not permit me to list those done in by stupid drivers.
Intellibird
April 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
Maybe MLB should investigate supposed marijuana smoking at Giants games as well. Californians, and San Francisco residents in particular, are the most mistakenly self-righteous, easily offended, oddballs this side of Timbuktu. Keep McDowell at whatever cost. Selig is a jerk and roundly despised. I hope that Liberty Media and the Braves will make a stand. As far as I know, this is McDowel’s first big mistake. All people make mistakes, even perfect and beautiful Californians. Their state is broke and there is no need to emulate them, in any way. How about “medicinal” pot being dispensed all over town.
At least if McDowell is sued in civil court, then the case will take place in HIS hometown, which I hope is in Georgia. because it is very doubtful that some sissies who have taken offense to a man (who was likely baited) are gonna get the multi-million dollar award they are seeking.
Amen.
Intellibird?
April 29th, 2011
8:21 pm
Oooh Sissies. I haven’t heard that one since 8th grade.
J Clay
April 29th, 2011
8:33 pm
30 days without pay? wow…
Not condoning what McDowell did BUT if he deserves 30 days Lowe deserves the whole season. McDowell was not in danger of killing someone with his filthy mouth, unlike D Lowe driving under the influence….
People care more about political correctness than public safety I guess
Intellibird
April 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
And you are? Don’t recognize your “Name”, though it seems strangely similar to my own. And, yes, I would imagine that most inhabitants of SF are of the effeminate type. Hard to imagine many Bulldogs, loggers, corn-fed country boys, or other such stereotypes in the Bay area. In fact, that Brian fella with the black beard is the manliest looking thing I’ve seen come out of there ever.
Go troll at Jay Bookman’s blog. This is Sports over here. Ever heard of Sports? Yes, I am a Braves fan and no I am not a fan of San Francisco or Los Angeles and its not yet a crime to hate those teams, fans, and cities. Though, I suppose you would like it to be. Sissy.
nerf
April 29th, 2011
8:44 pm
Oh come on. If you’re gifted enough to have one of the best jobs in the world making your living playing (or coaching) baseball, you should be able to ignore whatever anyone says in the stands. Almost every player has been heckled. I remember when Barry Bonds was in Atlanta and the “gentleman” behind me stopped just short of calling him a roid raging n*gger. Bonds acted like he didn’t hear it. Isn’t that what every professional major leaguer does?
Joy Behar
April 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
So what, who cares? Boys will be boys. Mcdowell’s a homophobe and Lowe’s a competitive drunk. Last time I checked this was the USA. Men can’t even be real men anymore. Screw metrosexuals.
Lars Taint
April 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Send McDowell to the John Rocker School of Etiquette.
cdog
April 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Roger, let GOD deal with homosexuals.he definitely will DEAL WITH THEM COME THE JUDGEMENT..read LEVITICUS 20:13
dagnabit
April 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
I am totally in favor of firing Lowe. I want fewer drunk drivers on Atlanta streets.
muddy waters
April 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
From a consensus of the media accounts available, it’s clear that McDowell said a lot of bad stuff, not just “anti-gay” but anti-kid and anti-MLB fan. He’s gone.
Professor Moriarty
April 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
Lowe should miss a start because he got a DUI? Reverse the situation, Jeff: if you got a DUI (assuming you drink and were overserved), I don’t think anyone would expect you not to write your next column. You go to court, take your medicine and move on with your life. Enough of this holier-than-thou wrath and self-righteousness.
MLB coach could be suspended 30 games? | Ben Maller
April 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
[...] the team while Major League Baseball decides what they’re going to do. Jeff Schultz of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION says the Braves must suspend the one time member of the 1986 Mets for at least a full month. He [...]
Bravesfan54
April 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
Mr. Schultz – I support everything that you have written as rational, realistic, fair, sensitive, astute, and prescient. I have loved this team since 1954, and I speak (proudly)as an attorney who has tried death penalty cases on behalf of “the people” and of “the accused”. (Your piece isn’t a “sports journalistic” version of Zola’s “J’Accuse”, and neither does it echo the sentiments of a loser “can’t we all just get along”. You showed both class and reasonableness. Thank you.
nerf
April 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Intellibird: You’re right about some things. “Hating” Los Angeles or San Francisco teams isn’t a crime. It’s called rivalry. Bu saying was Roger did about children not belonging at the ballpark was bad. And the gay jokes are lame. They were funny maybe in 1992 (maybe). Heck I said them too, not going to lie. Haven’t we moved on? Am I wrong to suggest the Braves are a great storied franchise that deserves to be represented better?
JSS
April 29th, 2011
9:06 pm
Dude, you got a nerve calling somebody a “troll!” You’re condoning a bigot… Same day, new or the same targets for the childish name calling game…
JSS
April 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
Dude, you got a nerve calling somebody a “troll!” That blogger was right! You’re condoning a bigot… Same day, new or the same targets for the childish name calling game…
Jp
April 29th, 2011
9:17 pm
This country had gotten to “soft.” Hiring an atty, & having a press conf w/ur 2 lil girls is RIDICULOUS! No, he shldnt have said it, if he did. But, if so, BE A MAN, & teach your kids to have thick skin, & to take the high road, not hire an atty and sue. Great lesson for those kids buddy!
Perry & Leo
April 29th, 2011
9:18 pm
Fredi ain’t got a clue. MLB acts like they aren’t living in a world with laws. They can use drugs and still keep their jobs. They can commit various other crimes (shoplifting,purgery,spousal abuse,DUI,etc.) and ho-hum its nothing at all that matters.
By the way in that Lowe/Hudson commercial, Lowe’s pitch should be calle the “Beer Ball”.
Perry & Leo
April 29th, 2011
9:21 pm
McDowell saying “Kids shouldn’t be at games” is enough to get him fired or should be. MLB stresses parents taking kids to games. What a dumbass.
Perry & Leo
April 29th, 2011
9:23 pm
Hey Joe & Chip, why aren’t you guys talking about McDowell & Lowe tonite ? Its news ya know ?
Budweiser Lowe
April 29th, 2011
9:27 pm
Derek Lowe should make the most of this incident. He should contact Budweiser and suggest a new brand name of “Lowe”.
Try our new “Budweiser Lowe” , the athletes beer !!!!
TMAC
April 29th, 2011
9:29 pm
Woe-woe to ANYBODY that hurts a queers feelings, be it a humble restaurant employee or a bank president. These perverts have real CLOUT and that is a SICK indictment of our society.
JSS
April 29th, 2011
9:33 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Check your filter again
KBB
April 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
Nobody has called Derrick Lowe or McDowell a “thug” yet. Hmmm wonder why?
BigD
April 29th, 2011
10:31 pm
Let Derrick Lowe face whatever legal issues he must face and pay the price in that manner. A system is in place to handle what he did. McDowell apologized. Suspend him for a couple of games to throw a bone to the PC crowd and then just move on.
South Georgia
April 29th, 2011
10:46 pm
A ten game suspension for Coach McDowell is sufficient. He should not lose his job.
D(UI) Lowe
April 29th, 2011
11:55 pm
what in the world have you done to this team Fredi??? Before you came along the only off field problem the team had to deal with was Rocker!
D(UI) Lowe
April 29th, 2011
11:58 pm
“Nobody has called Derrick Lowe or McDowell a “thug” yet. Hmmm wonder why?”
thugs go to jail, no one is in jail yet but you’re obviously trying to start something by mentioning it.
tempe Zac
April 30th, 2011
4:40 am
D-Lowe could have hurt somebody racing while fairly tipsy. The pitching coach made a bawdy joke using a fairly PC word, not the q-word or fa-word. Then the guy told him to watch his mouth, and he said a less hurtful word that the guys children know. Instead of telling them when or if the word was ever appropriate, he decided to hire Gloria Allred to sue a man who isn’t rich in the first place for talking like most ballplayers.
TheAntiMe
April 30th, 2011
6:43 am
Well, the Braves have had the sex incident this week (Gay slurs by pitching coach). And they have had the drugs incident this week (DUI arrest of starting pitcher). So look for the Rock & Roll incident to come at any time in the next few days (David Ross arrested for playing Eddie Money CD too loud while driving down Peachtree Street).
TheAntiMe
April 30th, 2011
6:53 am
And yes, while Lowe will get his due process — and likely eventually will plea his charges down to something resembling an expensive parking ticket — isn’t it just a little weird that he will take the mound Sunday, three days after being arrested and spending the night in jail?
No, Jeff, if you think about it, it makes perfectly good sense that Lowe will pitch on Sunday. After all, Georgia is still one of the 3 most backwards states in the US that doesn’t allow people to buy beer, wine, or liquor on Sunday because God might get mad, so, Lowe should be just fine to start on Sunday.
Marvin Mangrum
April 30th, 2011
7:13 am
Its freaking baseball, not heaven. Damn, just unbelievable! Fine them both and get on with it. If you believe the Allred person and the accuser, then I have some great land for you!
NickGranite
April 30th, 2011
7:16 am
Baseball is still dealing with the beating of a Giants fan in Los Angeles. The NBA fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 for homophobic slurs. Feelings are a bit raw.
Sorry, I don’t see a reason to immolate your employees because of other people’s problems. In McDowell’s case, he was getting heckled. I’ve never bought that a ball player/coach has to sit there and take crap just because he’s a ball player. The “poor children” will get over it as they are already subjected to nutty leather clad gap pride paraders, Code Pinkos and every other type of rent-a-protester vermin in San Francisco. Public relations? It will be forgotten in a week, less if the braves start winning. Fine him and let’s move on.
legionaire
April 30th, 2011
8:17 am
Fine them both big time. Call a press conference at Turner Field and make McDowell give his to Elton John for his charitable fund and Lowe could give his to local MADD chapter.
Please sell the Braves
April 30th, 2011
8:34 am
Bream Team,
I think Dan Uggla is available…
Braves .....lol
April 30th, 2011
8:37 am
Okay I got it……Smoltzie intro song was “Thunderstruck”, Chippers is “Crazy Train”…Lowes new one…AC/DC “Have a Drink on Me”
Braves .....lol
April 30th, 2011
8:40 am
Oh lets see…..standings in division….ouch, Pitching coach antics….ouch, Lowe in a DUI……ouch ouch….. Fredi, so far…..YOU SUCK!
Chipper's ACL
April 30th, 2011
8:40 am
If after the investigation the facts show McDowell is guilty of these comments and actions then yes he should lose his job. If a person with a “normal” job would be terminated then he should too. I’m tired of the double standard given to sports figures. Let’s hope the Braves organization stands behind what is right, even if it means letting go of their pitching coach during the season. With the comments that we’ve heard on this story I doubt this is the first event with Mr. McDowell. Harshness like this isn’t off the cuff. Sounds like this is normal talk for him. Interesting situation.
Ray
April 30th, 2011
8:50 am
D Sanders and D Justice were run out of town for alot less than what these 2 have done
Adam
April 30th, 2011
9:03 am
I WOULDA’ BEEN FIRED FROM MY JOB IMMEDIATELY HAD I DONE WHT THESE TWO DID!!!! LOWE SUCKS AND ANYONE CAN BE A PITCHING COACH. PFFFT !!!!!
CLINTON (I lied too--so what)
April 30th, 2011
9:24 am
First and foremost there is no such thing as a gay slur, You can’t slur a pervert that lets another man penetrate his mouth or A hole with his private part. This is lewd and perverted behavior and could only be defended by those involved in or wanting to be involved this crap. Why doesn’t Jeff or Mark and other bloggers spend just a fraction of the time attacking the people that murder their children under the guise of a woman’s right to choose. She chose to have sex in most cases and the child should have the right to live. Too much time spent defending pertverts and not enough time on sports. Now let’s have the perverts attack me and they are perverted even if they say they are not, Hello Monica
Furman Bitcher
April 30th, 2011
9:26 am
Until somebody else come out of the shaddows and said they heard McDowell say these things then I say it is all BS. From all the reports I have seen and there are witnesses that say McDowell was jousting back and forth with some fans as, if you go early to games, happens all the time. The dad jumps in and starts yelling at Roger cussing telling him that he shouldnt talk that way in front of his kids and Roger said that he shouldnt bring his kids to the park if he is also going to cuss and yell like that either. 2 people have reported this story. No way that Roger said kids dont belong at the park. Really? A ball player and coach for 25 yrs in baseball said kids dont belong at the park? Once he said that with his windbag attorney Gloria Alred told me the story was embellished to sound worse probably because the dad ended up looking like a idiot. I call BS.
Keep Paying
April 30th, 2011
9:28 am
Can we get some articles on the Braves inability to advance runners, lack of speed, lack of fundamental play, and a manager who is clearly in over his head and was taught a lesson last night by LaRussa??
gt
April 30th, 2011
9:42 am
Baseball players and personel have that state fair back lot personality which in America is getting sicker and dumber each generation. We talk about the black culture in basketball but I seldom ever hear the redneck culture in baseball. I listen to that baseball coach on 680 radio, butcher the king’s English everyday. Education is not a disease, without it a stronger person can convince a weaker person there is something out there that is going to get them. Fear is a great motivator, and no one is more cowardly than a dumbass. I think politians love people like McDowell, so would Hitler in his day. Stupid serves its purpose.
Leslie
April 30th, 2011
9:44 am
I’m disappointed in Gonzalez’s response. To suggest that all McDowell needs to do is “jump through some hoops” means that Gonzalez doesn’t see any real problem with McDowell’s actions, only that the pitching coach will need to pacify others to keep his job. That doesn’t bode well for our new manager’s integrity, and that makes me sad. I’ve had high hopes for Gonzalez.
Clyde Barrineau
April 30th, 2011
9:49 am
It’ columist like you that fan the flames of the these two latest transgretions by one of our sports teams , come on. How about incidents involving local professional athletes and management. Numerous situations ivolving alcohol and driving , domestic problems, ie Bobby Cox . Did I hear you call for their jobs or suspension ? You should devote your time to cover more important sports stories.
stupup74
April 30th, 2011
10:08 am
Look, what Roger said was stupid. He should be suspended, but I have a lot bigger problem with what Lowe did. He could have killed somebody or himself.
1eyedJack
April 30th, 2011
10:09 am
If I had to play in SanFran I wouldn’t shower at the ball park. Don’t pick up the soap Buster!!
Mike
April 30th, 2011
10:35 am
Lowe apoligized, good enough for me. McDowell apoligized good enough for me. Fact Allred is now speaking for this over sensitive bozo makes it a non issue. Braves should ask both to donate 50k each for storm victims and we move on. Refund bozo his price of admission. Problem solved.
P Rose
April 30th, 2011
10:39 am
I love this new politically correct term, “homophobia!” The word “homo” is right there in it, which is the only “slur” Roger allegedly used. Then there’s the second part: phobia |ˈfōbēə|
noun
an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something : he had a phobia about being under water | a phobia of germs | a snake phobia.
(from the New Oxford American Dictionary)
Let’s see, Roger has an extreme, irrational FEAR of homosexuals, because he asked a couple if they were a “homo” couple. A celebrity attorney is necessary, the commissioner of baseball should be involved, and the man should lose his job. Right?
Mike
April 30th, 2011
10:46 am
What next the bastions of repression the EPA forces MLB to revert to bamboo bats for enviromental awareness
dale
April 30th, 2011
10:47 am
Just call the fan’s two daughters to the stand and ask them if their father using bad language around the house. The case will go away quicker than Gloria Allred chasing an ambulance.
Dave
April 30th, 2011
11:46 am
Wow really 30 games without pay? Possibly be fired? For calling some heckling fans gay? Seriously the worst thing he even said was saying kids shouldn’t be at an effing park. If he would have just cussed them out it probably wouldn’t be a big deal but because he called someone gay he is facing a shat storm. STUPID POLITICALLY CORRECT BULL SHAT. How does any of this make him a homophobe? Crazy society.
San Fran cry babies
April 30th, 2011
12:44 pm
Sticks and stones jeff…sticks and stones
Typical liberal BS
April 30th, 2011
12:47 pm
Our president goes to churces where the pastors spew far more more disgusting vile crap. An apology is all that is necessary and you move on. But not with liberals. Yes there is a direct correlation to the downfall of this country and the rise in liberalism.
74 Dawg
April 30th, 2011
1:14 pm
First of all, John Rocker was right. However, the truth is no longer a defense today. As to Lowe and McDowell, why should they be made an example of by MLB, when Bud Selig lets owners and players practically rape and pillage like barbarians without batting an eye/ It should be on the Braves to act on this and they have to follow BPA on Lowe, period, end of discussion. As to McDowell, everyone, including Count Shultz, should reserve judgement until we know what actually happened. No one has heard McDowell’s side of this yet. Was he screaming and cursing? Was he joking around with some fans and came down with stupid tongue? We don’t know yet. Whatever happened, my advice to Roger and the Braves is follow the Tiger, etc. celebrity f****p script. Come out with the actual real truth sooner than later, have Roger do a tearful and heart felt mia culpa news con , do whatever suspension, voluntary sensitivity and move on. By the way Jeff, what should the PGA have done to Tiger ? Suspend him for 30 tournaments? One for each Bimbo? This is so much BS.
robdawg
April 30th, 2011
2:08 pm
Schultz, Roger is a “GREAT” pitching coach and just needs to go to a senstivity training session or two. You are probably the same hater that wanted to fire Bobby Cox when he had a domestic issue with his wife back several years ago. Everyone screws up, Roger’s just happened to make the paper. The Braves need to cover their A#$ and lets move on and whip some Philly BUTT. It’s a shame Lewis Grizzard is still not around, he would have a field day with this. This SF NERD with the two little girls in pig tails is obviously just looking for a dollar. We need to keep in mind this is baseball, a man’s game, that is played by men, who talk like men. If these SF NERDS do not want to hear cursing and manly ballpark conversation, maybe they should go with you to the local SF ballet or figure skating!
Who will be more successful in the NFL?
April 30th, 2011
2:25 pm
With 1,891 votes and most of the precincts reporting,
Tim Tebow leads Cam Newton 35% to 22%.
Dan Bermn4
April 30th, 2011
4:00 pm
Derek Lowe shouldn’t be pitching during the investigation. DUI is a serious crime and should be treated that way.
http://pinetarandbrickbats.blogspot.com/2011/04/braves-and-scandal.html
frank
April 30th, 2011
4:19 pm
WOW, Baseball players get drunk once in a while, thats news. Who cares. PLAY BALL.
Belcher
April 30th, 2011
5:17 pm
When Lowe was caught, did he have any “red panties”????
TuckerFan
April 30th, 2011
5:34 pm
McDowell needs to take anger management classes and Gonzales needs to take a PR class. I can’t believe he came out backing McDowell and made that comment about “jumping through hoops.” Surely he didn’t have Wren’s okay to say that.
idot
April 30th, 2011
5:48 pm
JS, you remind me of the loud mouth instigators leading the lynch mobs in the old westerns.
I know you are just trying to generate hits on your rag.
Everyone should rest assured that MLB and the Braves, will take care of this, to the satisfaction of the disgruntled and injured parties.
I am more concerned about the melt-down in the bullpen, myself.
Robards
April 30th, 2011
5:50 pm
Jeff, political correctness has much to do with the McDowell situation. As for Lowe, many people go to work as scheduled soon after after getting a DUI.
DreamTeam '11
April 30th, 2011
5:57 pm
McDowell should not get fired. I mean if John Rocker can say what he said and not be suspended the whole season or something like it then McDowell should be fined and suspended ONLY. He’s to much an asset to the team.
BananaJacket
April 30th, 2011
6:08 pm
Are we in court yet? Do ANY of you/we bloggers know for sure what was said and done in the McDowell “incident”? If the main accusations prove to be true, then, some serious consequences should follow. However, it is very disturbing that everyone ( it seems) wants to immediately fire someone no matter what happened or whatever the facts are. There would be very few people with a job if most folks had to abide by these knee-jerk judgements or holier-than-thou attitudes.
melvin white
April 30th, 2011
6:36 pm
I don’t understand why it’s thought players should not play if they get a dui.
If some factory worker got a dui on Friday, would he say “Can’t go to work next week, wouldn’t look good.”
If you got a DUI (and let’s face it, I’m going to go ahead and assume at some point in the last year you’ve had at least a few beers and gotten behind the wheel) would you say you can’t write a story?
I wish this country would stop being so pollyanna about everything
tempe Zac
April 30th, 2011
7:11 pm
Did someone just call John Rocker right?
doggoneit
April 30th, 2011
7:17 pm
PUT THE TWO MEN IN A PARKING LOT WITH GLOVES AND HAVE THEM DUKE IT OUT> DAMN PANSIES !!
pdt
April 30th, 2011
8:34 pm
Lowe did not apologize for drag racing drunk down Peachtree. He apologized “for the attention arising from this matter.” Those are not the words of someone who is repentant. He’s lucky he didn’t kill someone; think of the attention that would have brought. McDowell is simply repugnant. And so is Fredi Gonzalez for making light of it, and saying he was sure McDowell would have to “jump through some hoops.” That tells me he does not take this seriously. Lowe, McDowell, Gonzalez. Not an ounce of class among them.
idot
April 30th, 2011
10:11 pm
How do you know exactly what happened. But you are willing to judge and convict, anyway.
Rodger Dodger
April 30th, 2011
11:59 pm
Anyone will sue for any reason, just claim racism, anti- gay… people get over it. Comedians make fun of gay’s all the time…BFD Give me a Break, as far a Lowe , its not the end of the world, whatever happened to the police who actually care about people. and just railroad drivers.. im over all this
Maibag Drag
May 1st, 2011
1:36 am
the Atlanta Braves and tmz have never been mentioned in the same sentence together. Ever. Good job Schultz. You’ve done your job well, media. You created a story, where there was not one.
1- Every heterosexual guy in this country thinks the same freaking thing. If you don’t, well, you might be gay.
2- Drinking and driving is bad. Don’t do it kids. (Hey honey, do you mind driving tonight? I think I drank a little more than you did).
Stinger2
May 1st, 2011
4:16 am
Jeff: Will you write something new for us to read and comment about?
This one has had its day(s). Thanks.
Scores/Schedule/Standings & Stories 5/1/2011 - Goodsportsart Blog
May 1st, 2011
7:29 am
[...] Braves can’t go lightly on discipline for McDowell, Lowe [...]
jerry
May 1st, 2011
8:44 am
The Braves don’t need McDowell and he has a ton of money after a 12 year career and doesn’t need a job. What is more important, McDowell’s job or the fans perception that McDowell is more important than they are? There is no question that many fans, if McDowell keeps his job, are going to see this as a slap in the face by the Braves and MLB.
Nativebird
May 1st, 2011
9:08 am
For such a supposedly “classy” organization, the Braves sure do have their gaggle of jerks, McDowell being just the latest. Let’s see: Rocker the racist, Smoltz suing his neighbor over a tree, Glavine blisters the org who paid him a hundred million on the way out of town, Chipper knocking up anyone in an orange short-short; Andruw underwriting the gold clubs VIP room; and now McDowell apparently hating his inner desires and Lowe revealing the Low that he is. So get real Atlanta; it’s clear that Schuerhol’z organization is the class in cover-ups and spin, not class.
Nativebird
May 1st, 2011
9:11 am
For such a supposedly “classy” organization, the Braves sure do have their gaggle of jerks, McDowell being just the latest. Let’s see: Rocker the racist, Smoltz suing his neighbor over a tree, Glavine blisters the org who paid him a hundred million on the way out of town, Chipper knocking up anyone in an orange short-short; Andruw underwriting the gold clubs VIP room; and now McDowell apparently hating his inner desires and Lowe revealing the Low that he is. So get real Atlanta; it’s clear that Schuerhol’z organization is the class in cover-ups and spin, not class.
aubrey
May 1st, 2011
9:33 am
Right, McDowell deserves a still penalty since his actions were in the course of his working with the Braves and occurred at a ball park. Suspension and fine should be appropriate. Wrong on Lowe. His actions were in his personal lie away from the game. He is subject to penalties through the legal system. U
aubrey
May 1st, 2011
9:36 am
Completing statement from 9:33. Under your standard the AJC should penalize you if you have a DUI. Under your statement any employee should be penalized for transgressions away from the job and having no direct bearing on the job. I do not believe that that is appropriate and just because someone is a professional athlete does not make it appropriate for the employer to penalize behavior not related to the job.
idot
May 1st, 2011
11:02 am
It’s suppose to be innocent, until proven guilty, isn’t it JS?
idot
May 1st, 2011
11:03 am
Just because a police officer arrest someone, that doesn’t mean that it is the end of the story.
idot
May 1st, 2011
11:09 am
As for McD, the dad thought that the bat gesture was crude and inappropriate for a child to see. But he and Gloria, got on national TV and repeated the gesture in front of his two 9 year olds, sitting right there in the same room.
ELW
May 1st, 2011
12:13 pm
C’mon people when we let crap like money hungry attournies and the media…’TMZ” try to tell us how we should live our lives..nobody died…true drinking and driving isn’t legal and shouldn’t be but in the case of Mcdowell..you can turn on the tv or go on a playground and hear worse..and i bet that sleazebag of a dad has never spoken a four letter word in his life..lets let this play out and hope that common sense prevails.. it probably won’t and for of those who are offended by someone else’s right to speak their mind…get a life
Warren
May 1st, 2011
12:25 pm
I think that he should be fined and sent to some kind of diversity/sensitivity class. If anyone has sat in the seats around any ball park the fans can be extremely rude to players and coaches and at some point it get to you. Let’s not forget the players and coaches are humans also.
Roger McDowell fortunate suspended only two weeks | Jeff Schultz
May 1st, 2011
1:16 pm
[...] Baseball commissioner Bud Selig — who last week suspended Ozzie Guillen two games for something as trivial as Tweeting — could have slammed McDowell. I’ve heard from several readers who believe the Braves should have fired him. I wasn’t in the camp but believe a suspension of at least 30 games was in order. [...]
ATL fan
May 1st, 2011
2:43 pm
Seriously some guy is on this board saying the gays are perverts and therefore Roger shouldn’t be in trouble? I live in Atlanta. It’s sad to see that there are still some backwards people here in the south. Very sad.
grits
May 1st, 2011
2:47 pm
What do you mean you’re sad to see there are “still” some backwards people that live in the south? Have you counted how many guys are on here making gay jokes? Look at 1eyedJack up above. He’s making “don’t drop the soap” jokes. Is it any wonder that we here in the south are still seen as hillbillies who drink moonshine and doink our sister? Do you hear them banjos playin’ boys? Because the south is still the south.
Randolph Phillips
May 1st, 2011
2:52 pm
Ithink it’s time to ban Political Correctness from Sports.
JSS
May 1st, 2011
3:41 pm
It is time to end silly little boys masquerading as men and getting defensive when they can’t realize right from wrong! Roger McDowell is wrong! That is not “politically correct.” Because “politically correct” means doing the expedient thing. Pooh pooh the person who reacts. Pooh pooh,the grown man who degrades the people who could be future patrons of a sport that is dire need of fans… Pooh pooh, the man when caught by multiple sources finally gives as weak of an apology as known to man until Derek Lowe steps to the mic… This is not about the reaction; it is all about the initial action! You know it! I know it! The world of grown ups knows it! Now deal with, and stop trying to redirect the issue…
Donaldo
May 1st, 2011
4:35 pm
Given the business as usual response to Lowe and his weak apology, I will take a pass on all Brave games this year. Until I know they take things seriously, which means lost sales, I am done, sorry but it is time for fans to say enough of this stuff.
Duane Miller
May 1st, 2011
11:12 pm
Solid info! I wonder if this’ll show up on CoachWatcher. CW is the place to go for all the coaching info, news, and rumors. http://www.CoachWatcher.com
Glenda
May 2nd, 2011
2:17 am
I am with you Donaldo. My family and I were so disgusted to see Lowe take the mound on Sunday, we turned off the game. At the very least, the Braves have acknowledged that what McDowell did was wrong. They seem to think that getting drunk, getting behind the wheel, driving all over the road, and racing on a major highway in Atlanta is no concern of theirs. Well, as long as Derek Lowe sees no consequences for his actions, we are done with the team. We are no fly by night supporters. We are fourth generation serious fans. For some in our large family, this was the first game not seen this season. I am sure we are not alone in the opinion that alcohol abuse, especially when combined with his other actions should be the concern of all us, especially the Atlanta Braves. I hope that many will boycott the Braves until they get up on their hind legs and deal with Derek and his problem. I understand there were drinking problems when he was in Boston, one infamous one where he was found drunk in the clubhouse after being taken out of a game. So he’s supposed to be a great pitcher. He certainly hasn’t shown that consistently in Atlanta. Maybe his job is beginning to interfere with his drunken escapades.
CLINTON (I lied too--so what)
May 2nd, 2011
11:57 am
Glenda and Donaldo– It is good to see that you ladies are against alcohol and hopefully tobacco. If any of your large family drinks or smokes I hope you kick them out until the quit and apologize. And they should also lose their jobs or you ladies will boycott their companies that forced them to drink and smoke. Also you should boycott any company has employs child killers (abortions) and does not condemn their murderous ways. If you ladies cannot do that then you are two-faced By the way anyone that has a drink and drives their car in the next few hours are drinking and driving. Anyone in your large family ever done that? If so then banish them from the family Saint Glenda. Cigar anyone?
How they really stand -- from Braves (1) to Jacket hoops (10) | Jeff Schultz
May 3rd, 2011
2:30 pm
[...] ♦ 1. Braves (2): They’ve tripped out of the starting gate. But this is too good of a roster to stay down for long. They have the pitching and hitting to win the National League East over Philadelphia, assuming Dan Uggla remembers that he’s supposed to be good. Success also hinges on limiting those TMZ-like moments. [...]
LawDawg
May 5th, 2011
3:32 pm
“Braves can’t go lightly on discipline for McDowell, Lowe”
Sure they can.