CINCINNATI -- Reds first baseman Joey Votto received a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine on Friday from Major League Baseball for what was termed "inappropriate actions" after his ejection by home-plate umpire Bill Welke during Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

In an impassioned retort to the development, Votto announced his intention to appeal the suspension levied by Joe Garagiola, Jr., MLB's senior vice president of standards and on-field operations.

 

 

 

"In this instance, I disagree with the suspension. I disagree with the ejection," Votto said. "At no point did I misbehave before the ejection. At no point was I disrespectful. On many occasions … there was politeness on the field. I went over and above to be respectful and unfortunately, I'm put in a situation where I now have to defend myself publicly."

Just two, should be more.

Stupid. Should be zero.

I think what some are overlooking is that he did have contact with the umpire who was holding him back (along with Reds coaches) from getting to the Home Plate umpire. He did grab his arm when trying to get thru.

Votto gave a nice defense of the incident.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/sports/mlb/reds/2015/09/11/72102182/

Votto gave a nice defense of the incident.

 

Votto: 'You're not allowed to decide how angry I'm allowed to get'

 

Not really, but see/hear what you want.

They'll split the difference. Just move on.

 

It's obvious playing on the worst team in baseball record-wise is really getting to him. Wish the rest of them had such passion.

I think what some are overlooking is that he did have contact with the umpire who was holding him back (along with Reds coaches) from getting to the Home Plate umpire. He did grab his arm when trying to get thru.

 

You seem to be overlooking the fact that that umpire contacted him first. In those cases there is always contact. No player gets punished for contact while being held back.

Not really, but see/hear what you want.

 

And you'll see/hear what you want.

 

It's blatantly obvious you dislike Votto, therefore you are letting that influence your thoughts on this incident.

You seem to be overlooking the fact that that umpire contacted him first. In those cases there is always contact. No player gets punished for contact while being held back.

 

I'm not sure that matters. The other ump has the right to restrain a player. Just like NFL refs do all the time when separating players or pulling them off a pile. But the player still cannot touch the ump. Yes the ump made contact first but the player cannot attempt to move the ump or attempt to release his restraint. It may not be totally fair to the player but that is the way it is.

And you'll see/hear what you want.

 

It's blatantly obvious you dislike Votto, therefore you are letting that influence your thoughts on this incident.

 

Actually its not a Votto issue I would say this about any player that chooses to contact an umpire during multiple incidence.

 

However this is the issue at hand, Votto should have been ejected (and suspended) just for how he threw his helmet down. There was no reason for that, he made the helmet a weapon, which could have injured someone. It bounced almost 3+ feet up in the air. It could have hit someone and injured them, no reasons for him to slam the helmet down like that, none, he should get 5 game suspension just for that alone.

 

This is now the second time this season he has made contact with an umpire, that should be at least 3-5 games by itself as well. In reality Votto has a tendency to get a little to close to the umpire when arguing calls and it needs to be stopped and address. He obviously can not argue without throwing 5 year old temper tantrums. I honestly think had Price and the other umpire not intervened, he was ready to at least push the umpire down, if not worse.

 

While were at it, what about the hundreds of F bombs Votto has spouted off for this and that over the years, the ones that are loud enough to here not just in the stands, on the radio, on the tv. Once or twice ok fine, its a common occurrence with Votto.

 

Votto is the franchise, hes the 250M man. Is that who you want as the face of the franchise? The guy that cant control his emotions, looks like hes ready to pick a fight at every bad call. Hes got some mental issue that need to be addressed before a far more serious event happens.

 

IMO MLB only suspended him 2 games, because the umpires calls were so bad that night, I will agree the calls were bad, but that does not excuse the actions of Votto in any way.

 

A message needs to be sent to Votto, as well as all the other players in the MLB that this crap needs to stop. Votto should be suspended 10 games, if not the rest of the season (im sure the players association would have a cow, and MLB doesnt have the stones to do that, but they should.)

Wow plantmanky, it seems your a little down on Votto. This is how I see it. Should he have been tossed, absolutely and I'm sure he knew it. I saw a ton of frustration with the season coming out. Then listening to some of Votto's explanation the day after, seems as if he feels (of course I'm guessing here) he's getting much less respect from the umps because of the Redlegs' record.

 

As far as a suspension, maybe a game, NOT 10 like you suggested. Spitting on an umpire intentionally, not buying it, incidental saliva during a shouting match. Tossing helmets down at homeplate, usually gets you tossed or a fine so that's a given. Tons of players do it. As far as what you call a 5 year old temper tantrum, heck most of 'em do that (not excusing it though). To be honest I find Votto quite controlled compared to most at bad strikezone calls. I honestly feel the frustration of the season is wearing on him. Hell, at least he doesn't take three swings at the same damn pitches that always strikes him out damn near every game like somebody else on that team.

 

F-bombs, please, they ALL use the word regularly even umpires. Heck, it's standard language for kids and young adults like the word "the" or "it". If our society continues to accept foul language, we're going to hear it. MLB could do something about it, but that 'aint happnin'.

 

So obviously I don't agree with some of your post but I do see your point.

Votto is the only bat in the lineup that is producing. Not sure we'll be able to run off enough wins to get back into the pennant race without him.

I think if I had Bruce and Frazier hitting around me right now I'd be frustrated also. Votto throws a helmet and barely bumps an ump and he needs counseling and anger management. Pete Rose does it and he's passionate and a hero.

Votto and Phillips have been two of the three most criticized Reds players on this site for the last two years and have by far been the two most consistent players this year.

And you'll see/hear what you want.

 

It's blatantly obvious you dislike Votto, therefore you are letting that influence your thoughts on this incident.

 

Votto is a very good player, but he's something THIS Reds team CAN'T afford because of it's smaller market size. It's clear you are in love with Votto, and only care about having his Fat Head on your wall, along with Andy Dalton's as well, both who have won exactly the same # of playoff games and series as you or I have, none.