A controversy erupted in the middle of a 1-0 game when Atlanta Braves broadcasters Chip Caray and Joe Simpson criticized the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chase Utley in particular, for wearing t-shirts and high pants with low socks during batting practice at SunTrust Park.
The argument alone was head-scratching, but that Utley’s professionalism would be called into question was even more bewildering. Furthermore, Utley was wearing a shirt that supported Jason Motte’s foundation and cancer research.
While he’d not yet heard the audio, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended his club and Utley, and was visibly upset by the criticism.
Roberts softened his stance when speaking with media prior to the series finale against the Braves, and he considered the situation a moot point after learning Simpson sought out Utley to apologize for his remarks.
Simpson then went a step further, issuing a public apology to the Dodgers through a released statement, via FOX Sports:
“I apologize to Chase Utley, the entire Dodgers organization and their fans for comments I made during Saturday’s broadcast. I’ve always held the organization in the highest light and my comments certainly didn’t reflect that. I am sorry to everyone affected.”
Kiké Hernandez and Justin Turner were among the players who used social media to indirectly respond to Simpson the night his comments were made.
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