When Athletes Attack
I don’t think I will ever understand why pro athletes think they are justified in attacking the fans who taunt them. Recently a Texas Rangers pitcher was arrested after he allegedly threw a chair into the crowd striking two fans in the head. (Geraldo Rivera was unavailable for comment.)
Despite the obvious physical battery by one of his players, the Ranger’s manager blamed the Oakland fans who were taunting them:
“Tonight, it went over the line,” Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. “It was a real break from the normal trash you hear from fans. We’ve had problems about every time we’ve come here.”
So much for personal responsibility. I don’t care how much someone is screaming, yelling, or taunting you. If you pick up a chair and hurl it at them, you’re guilty as sin.
Just think, Pete Rose is banned for betting, but players who attack obnoxious fans usually get off with a small fine.
(Aside: Didn’t George W. Bush once own the Texas Rangers? I bet this is somehow his fault.)
