Statistically, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is having an MVP type year through the first third of the Major League season. Alas, it hasn’t been enough to quiet many who have grown irritated with his over the top and at times eccentric antics.
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From bat flipping on doubles to heated arguments with opposing players (and media personalities), Puig has even frustrated his own organization but despite the constant drama, his play refuses to suffer as he’s emerged as a premier player in the game.
Some appear to enjoy Puig’s style of play, suggesting that it’s a welcome change to a sport full of stale traditions while others believe Puig is disrespecting the unwritten rules of baseball.
All that said, Puig says he’s not trying to offend anybody and apologized to those who feel that way in an interview with USA Today’s For the Win.
“The style of play that I grew up with and have come to embrace is a little bit aggressive, but please do know that this is in no way meant to bother anyone on the other teams or any of the fans,”Puig said.
…
“If that in any way caused any concerns or controversies, I want to apologize once again. I did not mean to do that in any way.”
Like many controversial athletes before him, Puig is going to Puig, right or wrong. It’s who he is as a player. And with that, he’ll continue to rile up opposing teams and fans, even if he drowns out some of his antics out over time.
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