Jonathan Papelbon was ejected from Sunday’s Phillies-Marlins game after doing a crotch grab gesture to the fans following his blown save.
Papelbon entered with a 4-1 lead but allowed four runs to surrender the lead. As he was walking towards the dugout after recording the final out of the inning, he reacted to boos from the fans by adjusting his crotch. Umpire Joe West saw it and tossed Papelbon, who came out and argued with him.
Though Papelbon’s gesture was out of line, so was West’s behavior. West got physical with Papelbon and forcibly moved the player out of his way. That is not at all how umpires should act and he should face discipline, too.
Papelbon denied doing a crotch grab at the fans:
Papelbon said that he didn't do the crotch grab intentionally, but was adjusting himself after having trouble with his supporter
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) September 14, 2014
This picture is pretty telling:
@PhillyDailyNews MONDAY Back Page — pic.twitter.com/GAB7XVN8MU
— Bob Vetrone Jr. (@BoopStats) September 15, 2014
Photo: Twitter/Jeff Skversky; Video via Crossing Broad
