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MLB investigating after Turner put others ‘at risk’ to celebrate title
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to win the baseball World Series in Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP)
The MLB commissioner’s office is beginning a full investigation after Justin Turner disregarded protocol Tuesday night following a positive COVID-19 test to join the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ on-field celebrations of their World Series win.
“While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk,” said a statement from the league.
“When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.”
The third baseman was lifted from Game 6 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in the top of the eighth inning. The league said he was placed into isolation, but Turner was spotted by cameras celebrating with teammates on the field after the Dodgers’ 3-1 win, sometimes wearing a mask and sometimes not.
After the game, Turner tweeted that he was feeling “great” and wasn’t experiencing any symptoms.
Thanks to everyone reaching out! I feel great, no symptoms at all. Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine. Can’t believe I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my guys! So proud of this team & unbelievably happy for the City of LA#WorldSeriesChamps
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that MLB was notified during the second inning that Turner’s COVID-19 test on Monday had come back inconclusive. According to Passan, Turner’s test taken Tuesday morning then came back positive shortly after, at which time MLB notified the Dodgers that Turner needed to be lifted from the game.
In the second inning tonight, the lab doing COVID tests informed MLB that Justin Turner’s test from yesterday came back inconclusive. The samples from today had just arrived and were run. It showed up positive. The league immediately called the Dodgers and said to pull Turner.
MLB says the Dodgers’ travelling party was tested for the novel coronavirus Tuesday night, and both the Dodgers and Rays have been tested Wednesday. When they can return to their home cities will be determined after being approved by the “appropriate authorities.”
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