Major League Baseball on Wednesday condemned Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner for “emphatically” refusing to comply and stay in isolation after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus during Game 6 of the World Series.
The Dodgers took Turner off the field in the eighth inning of Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday night, after his COVID-19 returned positive.
After the Dodgers won the game, 3-1, Turner left the clubhouse where he was told he had to isolate and went onto the field where he celebrated with his teammates. He took pictures holding the trophy, hugged teammates and even sat next to manager and cancer survivor Dave Roberts in a team picture without a mask on.
"Following the Dodgers' victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others," MLB said in a Wednesday statement.
"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. When MLB security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply," it adds.
MLB is investigating how Turner contracted the virus as he and his teammates were kept in a soft bubble for three weeks in a Dallas hotel with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Turner said he felt great and had "no symptoms at all."
"Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine," he tweeted. "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."
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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