The Dodgers have notched their first World Series title since 1988. The conclusive end to the MLB’s shortened “COVID season” saw the team lift the Commissioner’s Trophy after beating the Tampa Bay Rays in 6 games.
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner played an integral part in the playoff run, but he oddly left in the 7th inning almost out of nowhere in game six.
It later turned out that Turner tested positive for COVID-19 midway through the game, forcing him to sit the rest out.
According to insider Ken Rosenthal, Turner had a test the day prior that returned positive during the game. Also, another test from the day of game six came back positive. The two tests all but erased the chance of a false positive test.
Even stranger, following his mandatory dismissal from play, Turner returned to the field postgame to celebrate with his team. Reportedly, MLB officials instructed Turner to stay isolated for the remainder of the game, but videos and picture evidence show otherwise.
Turner rushed the field alongside other players and participated in all the celebrations before the official ceremony. He hugged teammates, took pictures, and talked with others. He was even seen without a mask for some time during the celebrations.
Manager Dave Roberts stated that he knew almost nothing of the incident, finding it shocking that Turner had to be subbed before the game’s conclusion.
Turner responded to the situation via a tweet addressing the positive tests and his condition. Fans didn’t seem to mind his actions against the MLB’s COVID protocol, judging by his tweet’s responses.
As an organization, the Dodgers haven’t made a statement regarding his questionable actions following the game, but it was implied that teammates and coaches alike wanted him on the field. Star outfielder Mookie Betts went on to say, “[Justin’s] part of the team. We aren’t excluding him from anything.”
Shortstop Corey Seager had similar feelings to Betts. He praised Turner’s contribution to the team, saying that he deserved to celebrate with the group “more than anybody.”
LeBron’s reaction
Concerns surrounding COVID-19 increased as LeBron James tweeted, asking for a parade to celebrate the Lakers and Dodgers’ success.
Seemingly out of nowhere, athletes had little regard for the virus.
While LeBron may have asked for a parade, LA County most certainly would never approve based upon a slight upward trend in cases.
As it stands, the MLB and the Dodgers haven’t taken action to punish Turner in any way. It seems unlikely as Turner only interacted with Dodgers players and staff.
