Phillies closer Papelbon suspended for lewd gesture
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon argues with Umpire Joe West after being ejected from the game against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Philadelphia. The Marlins won 5-4. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
EDS NOTE: LEWD GESTURE - Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon gestures to the crowd after giving up four runs to the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Philadelphia. Papelbon was ejected from the game. The Marlines won 5-4. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
SAN DIEGO — Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended seven games and fined by Major League Baseball for making a lewd gesture and then bumping an umpire.
Papelbon said in a statement Monday night that he would immediately begin serving the suspension given by the commissioner’s office and that he was sorry for making contact with umpire Joe West on Sunday.
But the right-hander says that he wasn’t making a gesture toward fans as he walked off the field to boos in the ninth inning of Philadelphia’s 5-4, home loss to the Miami Marlins. He apologized to Phillies fans in the statement.
Papelbon was ejected by West after the umpire thought Papelbon grabbed his crotch while walking off the field after blowing a save.
