There is growing assessment that a new bad boy has emerged in Major League Baseball. LA Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing's successive controversies have come under scrutiny.
U.S. sports outlet Larry Brown Sports on the 30th (Korean time) pointed out of Rushing's controversy, "He doesn't seem to be making many friends this season."
The outlet said, "Rushing recently became the center of controversy after footage captured him directing profanity at an opposing player during a game, and the fallout has grown as suspicions raised by fans were effectively confirmed through comments from a teammate."
The problematic scene occurred on the 27th during the home game against the Chicago Cubs. Rushing was shown on the broadcast screen uttering profanity containing the F word toward Miguel Amaya after a stolen base attempt.
Nico Horner, who was at bat at the time, said in a radio interview, "I think we should have confronted him more directly. It was pretty embarrassing in the batter's box," and "It was a really strange experience and I felt uncomfortable." He thus effectively acknowledged that the remark occurred.
This is not Rushing's first controversy. Earlier, even after an unsettling collision at home plate with San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, he was reported to have made inappropriate remarks. Rushing later explained that "the context was distorted," but assessments continued that he had fueled San Francisco's resentment throughout the series.
His playing opportunities are limited, but his presence is strong. He leaves his name by being at the center of controversy in each game. Despite this being his first full-time season in Major League Baseball, he has already emerged as a 'public enemy' for several teams.
The Dodgers and the Cubs will face each other again for three days starting Aug. 4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The outlet predicted, "With lingering hard feelings, the rematch is likely to act as another variable."
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