You knew there was going to be a lot of fallout today regarding Justin Turner and his decision to celebrate with his L.A. Dodgers teammates shortly after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19. Well, it’s starting to get testy. On Wednesday Major League Baseball made it clear where they stand, releasing a statement placing the blame on Turner himself.
After it was learned of his positive test, the Dodgers took Turner out of Game 6 of the World Series in the eighth inning, but after the Dodgers recorded the final out and were celebrating, Turner appeared on the field, hugging teammates and posing for a team photo without a mask.
MLB is not happy, and in a statement Wednesday they said they were launching an investigation:
“Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night’s game. Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers’ victory, 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 and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.”
Players for both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Dodgers were tested after the game Tuesday and on Wednesday.
It should be an interesting next few days as this story is not going away.
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