Having just been eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday, frustration seems to be growing not only in the Washington Nationals dugout, but among the team’s fan base and even those who cover the team as well.
After Bryce Harper and Jonathan Papelbon threw down in Sunday’s loss against the Phillies, it seemed like everyone had some sort of reaction online.
Papelbon was allegedly upset at Harper for not running out a ground ball, which sparked the confrontation. This, of course, lead to some very serious opinions from sports personalities.
The Papelbon video is so bad. It's a running-down-steps sucker-punch on a guy with a bench behind him. He shouldn't wear that uniform again.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) September 27, 2015
maybe it wasnt such a great idea to keep papelbon in the game after he attacked his team's franchise player. #natitude
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/648244281161834496
Bryce Harper has a lot to learn. A) Learn how to hit against the Mets B) Learn to never pick a fight with the man who has higher ground.
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) September 27, 2015
Seriously, who is Papelbon to tell the future MVP Harper how to act when they've been teammates for a minute. And then to attack him? A joke
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) September 27, 2015
Just saw the video of Papelbon and Harper. Harper definitely egged him on, but Papelbon went after him hard. Embarrassing all around.
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 27, 2015
Did any team make a deadline deal that turned more self-destructive than #Nats deal for Papelbon? They were 3 up after his first save there!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) September 27, 2015
I bet Harper said something to Papelbon either earlier in game when he gave up a 5-spot, or a recent game, and Papelbon was giving it back.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) September 27, 2015
Good for Papelbon..Harper failed to run ball out..vet takes care of it https://t.co/jh32A8kOTC
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) September 27, 2015
Exactly or under 30 and have a room full of participation ribbons https://t.co/0hBY2KMA4H
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) September 27, 2015
From claiming Papelbon should be arrested, to making completely baseless accusations, to straight up saying that Harper deserved to get punched, it was a big day for sports media members in the Washington area on Twitter.
Making matters worse, sitting-duck manager Matt Williams then actually allowed Papelbon to pitch after the fight. Papelbon promptly gave up the game-winning home run.
Jonathan Papelbon booed loudly as he walks off the field at Nationals Park. pic.twitter.com/RaBpsSMKxd
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 27, 2015
For what it’s worth, Harper said that Papelbon apologized after the game and compared it to “brothers fighting” but he did manage to sneak in one last verbal jab at the Nats closer in the postgame press conference.
The season cannot possibly end quickly enough for the Nationals.
