TORONTO – Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie has been suspended four games after hitting an umpire with his helmet.
Lawrie, who was also fined an undisclosed amount “for his aggressive actions,” was ejected during a game Tuesday night.
He was ejected after arguing strike calls then bouncing his helmet off the turf into home plate umpire Bill Miller in a 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay.
The Langley, B.C., native will appeal the suspension.
That means he is available to play tonight with the Jays opening a two-game series against the New York Yankees.
“I feel I have the right to explain my side of the story about what happened last night,” Lawrie, who said he expected a suspension, told reporters.
He said his defence “in a nutshell is just I didn’t mean to hit him.”
Lawrie also said he hoped to apologize to Miller.
Toronto manager John Farrell was also ejected during the confrontation and expects to be fined.
Blue Jays at Orioles August 5, 2011
The Blue Jays primary Logo: It features the Blue Jays bird head with the red Maple Leaf and ball in the centre, an arched solid blue font "Toronto" above and scooped new split letter "Blue Jays" font in blue below
Brett Lawrie suspended 4 games for altercation with umpire
The Canadian Press
Gas Prices
680News Android App
Weather Guarantee
Advertiser Directory
Comments
Editor's note: Comments which include offensive or inappropriate language will be deleted. Healthy debate is encouraged but we will not permit any personal attacks. View our comment policy here.