Phillies' Papelbon makes obscene gesture to home fans after blowing save
Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is in hot water after making a disrespectful gesture directed at the home fans on Sunday afternoon.
Papelbon came in to close out a 4-1 Phillies lead in the ninth inning, but was shelled for four runs on four hits by the Miami Marlins to take the loss, prompting him to vent his frustrations with a groin grab in response to a chorus of boos from the fans at Citizens Bank Park.
Jonathan Papelbon thrown out of Phillies game for allegedly grabbing groin region & gesturing toward booing fans pic.twitter.com/VCOEVizTpy
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) September 14, 2014
The gesture is most accurately depicted in the Monday edition of the Philadelphia Daily News.
Hey, @PhillyDailyNews, can I get this framed, please? pic.twitter.com/pHgLfFIrK1
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) September 15, 2014
The righty was then tossed by umpire Joe West, who was disgusted with the gesture. Papelbon also intentionally bumped him after being ejected, which could result in a suspension.
West: He’s got to be more professional than that. And that’s why he was ejected.
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) September 14, 2014
Papelbon previously taunted the home fans earlier this season after getting booed, stating "he enjoyed it" and "looks forward to it." He denied the gesture was intentional following the contest.
Papelbon said that he didn't do the crotch grab intentionally, but was adjusting himself after having trouble with his supporter
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) September 14, 2014
Pap: By no means was I directing anything at any fans. I have a four and a five year old son &daughter.
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) September 14, 2014