Joe West has been suspended for three games by MLB after calling Adrian Beltre the 'biggest' complainer in the game in a USA Today article.
West, who recently umpired his 5,000th career game, opened up about baseball but the statement that got him in trouble came when he was asked who the biggest complainer in the game is. He answered matter-of-factly and succinctly with the Rangers third baseman.
"It’s got to be Adrian Beltre. Every pitch you call that’s a strike, he says, “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!’ I had a game with him recently and the pitch was right down the middle. He tells me, 'That ball is outside.’"I told him, ‘You may be a great ballplayer, but you’re the worst umpire in the league. You stink."
The 64-year-old umpire did what very few pro athletes do. He told the reporter what he was really thinking. He also found out why pro athletes don't usually speak their minds.
The World Umpires Association 'strongly opposes' the suspension of the most senior umpire in baseball.
West, who recently umpired his 5,000th career game, opened up about baseball but the statement that got him in trouble came when he was asked who the biggest complainer in the game is. He answered matter-of-factly and succinctly with the Rangers third baseman.
"It’s got to be Adrian Beltre. Every pitch you call that’s a strike, he says, “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!’ I had a game with him recently and the pitch was right down the middle. He tells me, 'That ball is outside.’
"I told him, ‘You may be a great ballplayer, but you’re the worst umpire in the league. You stink."
The 64-year-old umpire did what very few pro athletes do. He told the reporter what he was really thinking. He also found out why pro athletes don't usually speak their minds.
The World Umpires Association 'strongly opposes' the suspension of the most senior umpire in baseball.
MORE: Adrian Beltre doubles to join MLB's 3,000-hit club
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#WUA issued the following statement in response to West’s suspension:
1:09 AM - Aug 9, 2017
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