Orioles' Jones to racist fan: 'Let's fight and get it over with'

In some cases, turning the other cheek won't cut it.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones is understandably upset following racist actions from a fan in the crowd during Monday's game with the Boston Red Sox. Given the opportunity, he would potentially put up his dukes, according to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com.

"Square up," Jones said prior to Tuesday's game at Fenway Park. "Let's fight and get it over with."

He went on to say that he and his teammates understand that playing on the road involves traveling into hostile territory, but that there are certain lines - blatant racism being one - that shouldn't be crossed.

Members of the Red Sox organization and players on the team reached out to Jones, showing a unity across team lines. The gesture wasn't lost on Jones, especially from Red Sox owner John Henry.

"I appreciated it greatly," he said. "For Mr. Henry to take his time out to come and talk, to him and get ahead of it, to implement more security. … It’s a sporting event. It’s 40,000 people and to pick out a few people who decide to be ignorant. I just appreciate him coming in to talk to me face to face. He didn’t call or text me. He came face to face and expressed his disgust and he apologized on behalf of the whole city."

Jones added: "I have seen Mookie Betts, he tweeted at me. (David) Price texted me this morning. It’s pretty awesome that they see it. It’s bigger than the game. These kind of things are bigger than the game. This a game. It isn’t life or death. There are bigger issues in the world than a baseball game. This is purely entertainment."