Justin Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers were cleared after MLB concluded an investigation into their World Series celebration at Globe Life Field. It became issue due to Turner returning to the field after being removed from Game 6 because of a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.
When MLB announced no disciplinary action would be taken, Turner explained he simply wanted to take a photo with the World Series trophy. “I was under the impression that team officials did not object to my returning to the field for a picture with my wife,” Turner said in a statement.
“However, what was intended to be a photo capturing the two of us turned into several greetings and photos where I briefly and unwisely removed my mask. In hindsight, I should have waited until the field was clear of others to take that photo with my wife.”
While Turner was the subject of external criticism, he was supported by teammates the night of Game 6 and since then. Max Muncy was the latest to come to Turner’s defense, voicing his anger at MLB and explaining the Dodgers implored him to come from the dugout onto the field during an interview with David Vassegh, via AM 570 L.A. Sports:
“I thought it was an absolute joke what happened. He’s been the leader of this team for several years now and on top of that he’s been a leader in L.A. The amount of work he’s done off the field, in the community, all the people he’s been able to help, it really pissed me off. That guy was more careful than anyone on our team. Him and Kourt were by far the most careful out of anybody. They didn’t go anywhere, they didn’t talk to anybody. They took precautions and then some. We get to the bubble, and they’re still doing the same thing.
“Unfortunately, somehow he got it in a bubble that was supposed to be controlled by MLB. Yet at the same time, there was MLB staff, reporters out on the golf course, walking outside the secure zones, all this stuff they weren’t supposed to do. Justin pays the price and now they want to put it all on Justin. I was pissed off about that.
“We were all pissed off about it. When we won, the entire team — the staff, the players, the coaches — we were all yelling at him to come out on the field. Even then he was still saying, ‘Guys, it’s not a good idea. I shouldn’t do it.’ We kind of forced him out there and MLB allowed it. They said, ‘Yeah, it’s fine. Go out there.’ And now they still want to put it on him. I know they released a statement, it’s over and done with thankfully, but I still didn’t like that statement because MLB took no responsibility.
“They were still making it seem like it was all Justin’s fault but that he made an honest mistake. The way they worded it kind of frustrated me. It’s not how it should’ve happened. For them to try and attack that guy the way they did, it really pissed me off. Like I said, Justin is one of the best guys in all of baseball. He’s respected by everyone on every single team. For him to take this fall is just not fair.”
At the time of announcing Turner would be the subject of an investigation, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred took a strong stance and reprimanded him. Manfred was more forgiving in his latest remarks, though still did not offer much explanation or take blame on behalf of the league for their bubble becoming compromised.
Turner apologizes
In addition to sharing insight into his feelings the night the Dodgers won the World Series, Turner also he sought out teammates and coaches to express his remorse.
“I sincerely apologize to everyone on the field for failing to appreciate the risks of returning to the field,” Turner said. “I have spoken with almost every teammate, coach, and staff member, and my intentions were never to make anyone uncomfortable or put anyone at further risk.”
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