Nats GM defends Bryce Harper over ‘cowardly’ criticism”

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo defended Bryce Harper over comments made about him by an anonymous executive.

On Monday, Robert Murray of FanRag Sports shared the thoughts of a National League executive who was critical of Harper, saying the former NL MVP is overrated and cares more about himself than the team.

On Tuesday, Rizzo vehemently defended his star player. Rizzo declared that Harper is a winner on the field and an advocate for the Nationals away from the stadium.

“I think it’s just totally unfair on so many levels,” Rizzo told The Washington Post. “First of all, the premise is entirely wrong. Bryce Harper is a winner. He’s been a winner his whole life. He’s been a rookie of the year, five-time all-star, an MVP. He’s won more games since he’s been called up to the big leagues than any player in the major leagues.

“So how is that a loser? This guy has done nothing but been a tremendous advocate for the Washington Nationals between the lines, in the dugout, in the clubhouse and in the community,” Rizzo continued. “His charitable endeavors and his philanthropic efforts have been second-to-none. Two fields in Washington, D.C. with his name on it, for the kids. So he’s as far from a loser as you can possibly get. He’s a champion. He’s a winner. Always has been. Always will be. And these anonymous quotes from these unnamed sources like a National League executive, it’s cowardly, it’s chicken s–t, and it’s gutless.”

Harper has been a lightning rod for most of his career for various reasons. This isn’t even the first time he’s been called overrated this season; the last time came from an even more bizarre place.

Rizzo certainly did not have defend Harper against comments that came from an anonymous source. However, the fact that he did will probably sit well both in the clubhouse and with Harper.