Pitching Coach Roger McDowell In Trouble?

Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell was accused of making inappropriate remarks to San Francisco Giants fans during one of their games. If anything I think it's all overblown by the accuser. Usually things are that way when someone wants massive attention. Why would this person wait AFTER the game and not let security or staff know immediately?

Although McDowell is supposed to be a "professional" and what he did (if was even that bad) was wrong, I can't blame him for finally letting loose and getting back at rude, disrespectful fans. Nobody is perfect, and unfortunately society has a way of making a big deal out of...nothing.

I have a few pieces from Talking Chop.

"Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell is potentially in some hot water after allegedly making some sexist remarks during a game against the Giants in San Francisco. The story is rife with tabloid sensationalism thanks to the complain against McDowell being filed by attorney Gloria Allred, and the story being first reported on TMZ. Read the TMZ piece here, and more from NBC Sports here.

I heard the Braves announcers mention that the Giants fans were all over Brooks Conrad during that series, so the only speculation I would give here is that the Braves players and coaches may have had enough heckling. Remember that the bullpens at AT&T Park are on the field.

Seems like more a case of hurt feelings and publicity seeking than anything else. Though it could be an embarrassing situation for McDowell and the Braves. I'm not sure what to think of it, but I want to hear what McDowell has to say before I rush to any judgment."

Here's a more recent article.

"Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell has responded to allegations he inappropriately responded to heckling fans before a Giants game last weekend.

"I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday. I apologize to everyone for my actions," McDowell said in a press release after Wednesday afternoon's Giants-Padres game.

The Braves also issued a statement: "We were made aware of an incident in San Francisco this past Saturday. We are concerned by these allegations and the behavior described by a witness today. This in no way represents the Braves organization and the conduct we expect of our employees. We will withhold further comments until we finish gathering information."

Prepared statements by McDowell and the club. I guess that's how we should expect them to respond. Though at some point McDowell is going to have to face reporters, and answer their questions. These statements are the equivalent of a long tweet (in fact they were first reported that way).

The Commish is on the case as well, releasing a statement as long as McDowell's and the Braves' combined:

"I was informed today that Roger McDowell, a coach of the Atlanta Braves, is being accused of engaging in highly inappropriate conduct toward fans at a game in San Francisco. Although I do not yet have all the facts regarding this incident, the allegations are very troubling to me. The Atlanta Braves have assured my office that they will immediately investigate the allegations, and report the results of the investigation to me. After I have all the facts, I will make a determination of how to proceed."

Unfortunate black eye for the team."