Third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, Anthony Rendon suspended for four games by Major League Baseball following a confrontation with a fan during the Angels-Athletics opener in Oakland.
Rendon Suspended for Four Games on Fan Confrontation
During the game, videos emerged showing Rendon confronting a fan in an elevated field level section at Oakland Coliseum. The fan appeared to be shouting at Angels players as they filed by following their 2-1 loss, and Rendon doubled back toward the fan, grabbing him near his collar and feinting as if he would swing at him before walking back to the Angels’ clubhouse.
Rendon Drops Appeal, Accepts Four-Game Suspension
Rendon was suspended on Monday, and he announced on Wednesday that he is dropping his appeal of the suspension, which will result in him sitting out the Angels’ entire series against the Seattle Mariners, as well as the Angels’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.
Rendon and Fan Apologize
Rendon was suspended on Monday, and he announced on Wednesday that he is dropping his appeal of the suspension, which will result in him sitting out the Angels’ entire series against the Seattle Mariners, as well as the Angels’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time that Rendon has been involved in a confrontation with a fan. In 2019, while playing for the Washington Nationals, he was caught on camera getting into a shouting match with a fan during a game in New York.
In recent years, MLB has taken a stronger stance against fan misconduct, and has increased security measures at ballparks. Fans who engage in behavior that is deemed inappropriate or dangerous can be ejected from the ballpark and banned from attending future games.
Overall, Rendon’s suspension and subsequent decision to drop his appeal and sit out games underscores the importance of maintaining civility and respect between players and fans in baseball and all professional sports.
