National Nightmare: Video Of Harper & Papelbon Fight In Dugout
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Bryce Harper is the front-runner to win the National League's MVP Award, but that didn't stop Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon from picking a fight with the slugger.
After Harper flied out in the 8th inning, Papelbon started chirping at him as he came back into the dugout.
Papelbon could allegedly be seen saying, "You've got to run that out" to Harper, which triggered a brief argument between the two.
After words were exchanged, Papelbon grabbed Harper's throat with his hand and pushed him against the dugout wall.
Harper & Papelbon fighting ...#MLB pic.twitter.com/nVHreKRxF1
— FAUX Sports Live (@FAUXSportsIive) September 27, 2015
"First of all, let me say, I'm in the wrong there," Papelbon said. "I've got to leave that up to our manager.
Matt Williams, the team's manager, is already facing extreme criticism for the team's lack of success this year and now has to answer questions about this fight in the dugout.
"Well, certainly there is a lot of testosterone flowing among young men competing," Williams said. "What I can tell you is this, this is a family issue and we'll deal with it that way."
Here is another angle of the fight.
Alternate angle of Harper/Papelbon fight is even crazier (via @JeffSkversky): http://t.co/aZ4Uf0bggr pic.twitter.com/uBwVYWtdAt
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 27, 2015
Papelbon, who recorded the final out in the top of the 8th, went on to give up 5 runs (2 earned) and took the loss Sunday against the Phillies.
Harper mentioned that Papelbon did apologize to him.
The Nationals were eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday after the Mets clinched the NL East.
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