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June 28, 2008
Ezi Suspended Three Games
Sitting out Friday’s series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers was difficult for center fielder Travis Ezi. The most difficult part of the fallout from Thursday’s confrontation with first base umpire Mark Facto came today when he was suspended for a total of three games by Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein.
Ezi, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, was contrite following batting practice Saturday. He categorized the meeting with Klein as being productive.
``(Three games is) a lot for me,’’ Ezi said. ``One game is enough for me. I’d rather be out here helping the team win. I love playing. I just don’t like missing games – period.’’
Ryan Bear was in centerfield for the Bluefish Friday, while Henry Mateo occupied the position today. Bluefish manager Tommy John was not certain who would man centerfield Sunday.
The incident in question occurred after Ezi popped out to end the eighth inning in Thursday’s 8-5 loss to the York Revolution. He threw his helmet to the ground after the play and Facto immediately told him that he was going to be fined for throwing a piece of equipment.
Ezi, who was subsequently ejected from the game, then confronted Facto and had words with him in a heated exchange. John had to pull Ezi away from Facto.
Ezi and John both elected not to reveal was what was said during the altercation.
``I thought he was fortunate,’’ John said of Ezi’s suspension. ``He told Joe that he was sorry and he wouldn’t disappoint him. And I said, `Joe, that’s all you can do. You can take it at face value.’’’
Issuing an apology to Facto is also part of Ezi’s punishment. Though, it did not need to be. This was something Ezi had intended to do regardless if it was a mandatory action.
``If he said it or not I’m still going to apologize to him because I was in the wrong,’’ Ezi said. ``I understand that. I let my anger get to me. I shouldn’t have done that, and what I told him was wrong so I’m going to go ahead and apologize anyway.’’
Rich
Posted by Elliott on June 28, 2008 6:26 PM
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