MLB suspends Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon 7 games for incident Sunday
Major League Baseball has come down hard on Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon following his obscene gesture toward fans while leaving the mound on Sunday.
#Phillies RHP Jonathan Papelbon suspended 7 games and fined for his actions during Sunday’s game.
— MLB (@MLB) September 16, 2014
Told that Papelbon’s penalty did not simply result from crotch grab. MLB determined that he bumped West once and Marty Foster twice.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 16, 2014
The suspension also carries a fine and is effective immediately, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Neither the Phillies or Papelbon plan to appeal.
Following the gesture, Papelbon was ejected from the game by umpire Joe West, resulting in a heated exchange between the two.
Phillies statement: "Phillies fully support the decision ... We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday.”
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 16, 2014
Papelbon had a closed-door meeting with manager Ryne Sandberg prior to Monday's game, though the Phillies declined to suspend the 33-year-old.
The five-time All-Star claimed that the gesture was unintentional, as he was adjusting himself.