The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their first World Series title since 1988 after they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 on Tuesday night.
But what should have been cause for celebration was suddenly disrupted by controversy after it was revealed Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner had tested positive for COVID-19.
Turner was removed from the game after a late sample came back positive. Despite contracting the virus, however, Turner was on the field celebrating with teammates after the game. He was also seen without a mask.
Major League Baseball released a statement Wednesday saying Turner “emphatically refused to comply” when league officials approached him about staying off the field during the celebrations.
MLB statement on Justin Turner: pic.twitter.com/J8S8mVbG13
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 28, 2020
The statement also says MLB will conduct a full investigation regarding the Dodgers infielder's post-game involvement with his teammates and coaches.
This is hardly the best look, both for Turner as well as the league office and Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Turner risked exposing himself to team personnel by coming back onto the field and failing to wear a mask. But MLB's refusal to accept its numerous failures with respect to COVID-19 is also rather damning.
The league was unprepared for initial testing during “Summer Camp,” and looked equally confused following outbreaks in Miami and St. Louis.
While things had mostly dulled on the COVID front in recent weeks, the apparent inability for MLB to ensure player safety in a playoff bubble is pretty inexcusable.
Perhaps a full investigation will reveal more details. For now, however, this is a bad look for all parties.
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