MLB won't discipline Dodgers' Turner
Third baseman sorry for joining festivities despite COVID diagnosis
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner will not face discipline, a Major League Baseball investigation determined, after he returned to the field to celebrate his team's championship last month despite just being informed of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
“Mr. Turner has publicly recognized that his conduct was wrong and has expressed remorse for that conduct,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement released Friday. “I have spoken to him personally and I know he is extraordinarily upset by the incident. By all accounts, Justin is a leader in the clubhouse, a contributor to his community and a responsible person who was instrumental in the Dodgers diligently following the health protocols all season long.”
Manfred said the matter was closed and he applauded Turner for accepting responsibility.
“I sincerely apologize to everyone on the field for failing to appreciate the risks of returning to the field,” Turner said in a statement. “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.”
Manfred revealed that Dodgers teammates encouraged Turner to join the celebration since many felt they were already exposed to potential COVID-19 dangers anyway. Turner also claims to have been given permission from a Dodgers employee to join the celebration.
In addition, MLB revealed that an unidentified person told Turner multiple players
had tested positive and were allowed on the field to celebrate, leaving Turner to feel singled out. That information was not true. Manfred said MLB accepts culpability in how the situation was handled.
No other players on either team have been announced as testing positive for COVID-19.
Turner batted .320 with two home runs in the World Series and .250 in 18 playoff games with three home runs and six RBIs. He is a career .292 hitter over 12 seasons with 124 home runs and 495 RBIs in 1,114 games with the Baltimore Orioles (2009-10), New York Mets (2010-13) and Dodgers.
The 35-year-old just completed a four-year, US$64-million contract with the Dodgers and is now a free agent.