Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Chapman really does ‘like’ Girardi
New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi says Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has apologized to him for accidentally “liking” a user’s comment on Instagram calling the New York manager an “imbecile.”
Girardi said Sunday he believes it was an accident. He said Chapman was concerned about the gaffe late Friday night and they talked about it on Saturday.
“We talked about it,” Girardi said. “He came in and apologized. He was concerned about it. … I had to ask how it works, because I don’t know how that works, and I guess it’s easy to hit a button when you’re scrolling. So I really believe him. I take his word for it, that it was an accident, and you move forward.”
Girardi said the first he learned of the online ruckus was when he spoke to Chapman on Saturday, an off day in the series.
The veteran skipper has been under fire from fans and media following a 13-inning loss Friday to the defending AL champion Indians that left New York down 2-0 in the bestof-five series.
Diamond in rough
At least one individual associated with the Chicago Cubs doesn’t appear to be the sentimental type. The person is selling an official 2016 World Series ring commemorating the Cubs’ historic championship last season, ending their 108-year drought.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports Sunday that the ring, with its 214 diamonds, is listed by Leland’s Auctions. It says the seller is a scout but doesn’t include a name.
Bidding starts at around $2,000. It’ll go higher. Appraisers estimate its value at more than $50,000.
Jerry takes stand
Dallas owner Jerry Jones says the NFL can’t leave the impression that it tolerates players disrespecting the flag and that any of his Cowboys making such displays won’t play.
Jones had his strongest comments so far on the anthem controversy Sunday night. They started with his response to a question about Vice President Mike Pence leaving the game in Indianapolis after about a dozen San Francisco players knelt during the anthem.
Jones said after the Cowboys’ 3531 loss to Green Bay that the league can’t “in any way give the implication that we tolerate disrespecting the flag.”
Of his own players, the Hall of Famer said, “If we are disrespecting the flag, then we won’t play. Period.”
The Cowboys knelt arm-in-arm before the national anthem when they played at Arizona two weeks ago. Players, coaches and others, including Jones and his family, were among those in the line. All of them stood during the anthem, with arms still locked.
No spin zone
Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin didn’t even try to defend the performance of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after the Steelers’ 309 loss Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Roethlisberger, a 14-year veteran, completed 33 of 55 passes for 312 yards, but he did not throw a touchdown pass, the first time in 45 games at Heinz Field.
Worse than that, he threw five interceptions. When Tomlin was asked by media if Roethlisberger was taking too many chances, the coach said: “He’s not playing well. I’ll let him speak for him.” Roethlisberger’s response? “I’m not playing well enough,” he said.