Ausmus gets 1-game ban for 'excessive arguing'
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was suspended one game for his tirade and "excessive arguing" toward umpire Doug Eddings following his ejection Monday night, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.
Ausmus's fourth-inning ejection Monday against the Minnesota Twins sparked an explosive meltdown that saw the Tigers manager cover home plate with his sweatshirt and unleash an expletive-laden mouthful at Eddings. The memorable reaction quickly found its way onto social media, where audio of his R-rated exchange with Eddings went viral.
In a statement released Tuesday, MLB said the embattled skipper was being suspended for "excessive arguing and his inappropriate actions following his ejection."
Related: Ausmus sorry for 'cuss words' during epic freak-out
Ausmus' meltdown came just hours after he became annoyed with answering questions about being on the hot seat following the Tigers' disappointing start. His frustration apparently boiled over into Monday's game against the Twins, who nearly erased an eight-run deficit by scoring eight unanswered runs of their own.
The 17-22 Tigers have been a disappointment thus far after an offseason spending frenzy that included signing top free agents Jordan Zimmermann and Justin Upton. Ausmus, who's managed the club to a first and last-place finish during his two years on the job, showed his increasing frustration when he sounded off on reporters before Monday's 10-8 win.
"No, you know what, we get it," he said before the game. "I'm on the hot seat, I might get fired. We're done talking about it."
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)