Rob Manfred rips Justin Turner for breaking COVID protocols in World Series celebration
Commissioner Rob Manfred ripped Justin Turner for not following proper COVID protocols.
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series and immediately following the game it was announced Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19. That explained why he was pulled from the game and suddenly it seemed like there would be a damper on the celebration.
However, the Dodgers still celebrated and so did Turner. He was out on the field following the positive test and reportedly ignored direction to isolate. Commissioner Rob Manfred called out the Dodgers third baseman for being reckless.
Manfred:"It is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others. While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 28, 2020
MLB dodges a big bullet with Turner
Who knows what would be happening today if the Tampa Bay Rays had won Game 6. What could have been a serious delay in the series has instead turned into MLB explaining how Turner was the one who broke the protocols and not the league.
Manfred takes plenty of heat from fans, but he is not in the wrong here. Just because the season is over doesn’t mean the threat of COVID magically disappeared. Turner put everyone on the field at risk after the proper move was made to remove him from the game.
It is understandable to see why Turner wanted to be out on the field and Manfred acknowledged that. However, this is not a situation where MLB can shrug and say “oh well.” Now it will be interesting to see if Turner faces any fines or suspensions for being so reckless.
Next. Details of Justin Turner’s positive COVID-19 test. dark
The MLB season miraculously ended with a champion. That seemed unlikely just a few months ago. What Turner did was inexcusable and the only good thing from a baseball standpoint is that it did not cause the World Series to get delayed or canceled. Hopefully, his actions don’t result in anyone facing complications from COVID-19.