Justin Verlander flips off Philadelphia fans in viral video
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros went full villain as they arrived for Game 3 of the World Series.
Video went viral of the Astros star Verlander giving Philadelphia fans the one-fingered salute as the Houston team bus pulled into Citizens Bank Park.
Justin Verlander greeting Philly fans with the middle finger before he even got off the bus pic.twitter.com/E1Z7bQ4HHl
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 31, 2022
Verlander was also seen flashing the bird again once he stepped off the bus.
Justin Verlander, life long contract. pic.twitter.com/4QCWsCcCcB
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) October 31, 2022
Verlander addressed the matter on Twitter. He said the middle fingers were exchanged by both parties and done in fun.
All the context Darren… Whole interaction was in jest as all the fans around you were just saying hello in their native tongue. So I responded in kind. 🤣 🤣 all in good fun. I enjoyed the banter. Also, nobody broke the window. Was just like that 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/PSk5jzK2nT
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) October 31, 2022
Game 3 ended up being postponed until Tuesday.
In any case though, the former AL Cy Young winner Verlander is expected to draw the start in Game 5 (which the Phillies will also be hosting), setting the stage for some peak drama. We already know that Philadelphia sports fans are a notoriously tough crowd no matter who you are.