Kevin Gregg defiant, David Ortiz extends apology – MLB News
The Boston Red Sox veteran David Ortiz offered an apology for the altercation on Saturday, July 9, that brought him and Kevin Gregg to the intense media attention. He blamed Gregg for the exchange of blows during the game that the Boston won 10-3.
"I apologized to everyone for the situation -- even to [the Orioles]," he said. "I have a lot of friends on that ballclub -- even Gregg. I don't really know him, but he doesn't seem like he's any crazy person out there.I'm not happy about it. This is not
what people come to see in the field.”
The Red Sox slugger and the Orioles’ player came face-to-face not only in the game, but also on a virtual battlefield that saw angry punches by both. However, television replays showed that it was Gregg who started yelling at Ortiz first.
"I feel like I was pushed last night to do something like that," said Ortiz, who charged Gregg after Baltimore's closer yelled a few unkind words his way following an eighth-inning fly out. “He throws a whole bunch of pitches inside, and I'm pretty sure
he was trying to hit me.”
Whatever had transpired on the field, it was indeed a sad unfortunate scene to observe despite the fact that the Boston won the game in distinctive fashion. The Red Sox, while expressing his regret over the altercation, said the game is not boxing.
A whole set of reasons seemed to contribute in the fight between the slugger and closer. While Gregg may eventually face suspension for the aggressive act, Ortiz wants to close the chapter and wants to move on.
However, there is news circulating that suggested that even Ortiz may have to face action despite the fact that he was not the one who started it all. Interestingly, Gregg did not seem in any mood to offer any apology for the fight, sticking to his decision.
The Red Sox effortlessly completed the four-game series despite all the controversies that surrounded it. They will now be entering the All-Star break with an impressive record of six consecutive wins.
Boston won the series with big scores, 10-4, 10-3, 4-0, and 8-6, effectively rendering the Orioles straining.
The team had a troubled beginning when Major League Baseball started this year and came back into form to become more competitive amongst the top teams. Having now won 55 games, the Red Sox have the second best running average in baseball.
The ugly incident that broke out between Gregg and Ortiz became very serious as physical contact happened. This behaviour is considered as totally unacceptable and it is now up to MLB to decide what punishment, if any the two players deserve.
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