MLB suspends Braves pitching coach for comments to fans

5/2/2011

ATLANTA -- Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell was suspended for two weeks without pay Sunday by Major League Baseball for inappropriate comments and gestures he made toward fans before a game in San Francisco.

The suspension is retroactive to Friday, when McDowell was placed on leave by the Braves. He was fined an undisclosed amount.

McDowell will be required to complete sensitivity training and will have to apologize to the fans involved, Justin Quinn and his family.

Commissioner Bud Selig said insensitivity to others "simply cannot and will not be tolerated."

"I understand that Mr. McDowell is very contrite about his conduct, and hopefully this incident will be used to increase public awareness of the importance of sensitivity to others," Selig said.

Quinn said he was in the stands with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters before the April 23 game at San Francisco when McDowell asked three men "Are you guys a homo couple or a threesome?"

Quinn said McDowell made crude sexual gestures with his hips and a bat. Quinn said he shouted, "Hey there are kids out here."

According to Quinn, McDowell said kids don't belong at a baseball park, picked up a bat, walked up to Quinn and asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?"