Report: MLB investigating Yasiel Puig's role in Miami nightclub fight
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig has always been a lightning rod for hot takes. If the latest report about the 24-year-old is true, his contentious relationship with fans of the game will only grow larger. According to Renato Bermudez of ESPN Deportes, Puig was involved in a fight with security at a Miami nightclub.
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Bermudez's tweet was posted in Spanish, but has since been translated into English. It reads:
Translation: Yasiel Puig started a fight with security at a club in Miami. He left with a bump/bruise on his face. https://t.co/591FsphTXo
— Vincent Samperio (@VinceSamperio) November 27, 2015
The Bermudez's tweet was initially sent out Thursday morning. Details were slow to emerge afterward, however, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reported Friday that MLB will launch its own investigation under the new domestic violence policy. The league was prompted into action following a troubling TMZ report stated that the situation only escalated after Puig shoved his own sister.
A Miami police representative reportedly told TMZ that Puig suffered injuries to his face, including a swollen left eye after bouncers stepped in. TMZ also reported that Miami police viewed the incident as “mutual combat,” and that no charges will be filed.
Update: Dylan Hernandez spoke to a Miami PD spokesperson late Friday and provided the following information that disputes the claim involving Puig's sister and downplays the incident in general.
Miami PD spokesman: "No shoving was alleged" between Puig and his sister.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 28, 2015
Miami PD spokesman: "To the best of our knowledge, the only physical altercation was between the bouncer and Puig."
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 28, 2015
Because Puig and bouncer didn't have any interest in pressing charges against each other, Miami PD considers the case closed.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 28, 2015
Miami PD spokesman chuckled when I told him TMZ referred to the Puig incident as a brawl. "I would say scuffle," he said.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 28, 2015
Though the initial reports may have been exaggerated to some extent, the incident remains concerning even if Puig isn't facing legal action. Being involved in a fight at a club is never a good thing for any player, but the fact that Puig is involved given his tumultuous history makes things worse. He's already a polarizing player among many in the game, and an incident like this will not help matters.
On top of that, there are already some rumors out there that a certain player on the Dodgers no longer wants Puig around. Due to his antics, there are always rumblings every offseason that the Dodgers would consider dealing Puig in the right deal. While that seemed unlikely in the past considering his age and ability, it might be easier for them to part with him if he were involved in an incident like this.
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It seems like Puig has always had a love/hate relationship with the Dodgers. If these reports are true or even partially true, it could be the last straw for the organization. Puig is supremely talented when healthy, but the Dodgers may think he's no longer worth the headache.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik