The Wilpons did not let Brodie Van Wagenen’s apology be the last word on Thursday’s hot-mic video.
Mets owner Fred Wilpon and his son, COO Jeff Wilpon, blew up their general manager for comments about a hot-mic, in which he misplaced Commissioner Rob Manfred to suggest that the Mets and Marlins take the field and then run at the scheduled launch of game time and then play an hour later. Van Wagenen later said it was Jeff Wilpon’s idea and not Manfred’s. The game was finally postponed after the teams of the field ran in a show of support for social justice and racial equality.
The 83-year-old Fred Wilpon sued the 46-year-old Van Wagenen for his erroneous remarks about Manfred.
“I am very stressed and disappointed to learn last night that our CEO, Brodie Van Wagenen, made disrespectful and inaccurate remarks about our commissioner, a long time friend of mine,” Fred Wilpon said in a statement. ‘I hold Rob in the utmost respect and am in no way Brod[ie]The comments reflect my views as well as those of the organization.
“Rob remains a great leader of Major League Baseball. I apologize for any harm this incident has caused Rob.
57-year-old Jeff Wilpon blamed Van Wagenen for misrepresenting his position in the hot-mic video.
“To clear up any misunderstandings, it was my suggestion to look at the potential of playing the game later because of scheduling issues,” said Jeff Wilpon. “Brod[ie]the misunderstanding of a private conversation was and is inexcusable.
“We fully respect our players and the decision of the Marlins players not to play tonight and appreciate the sincerity of all those who want to draw attention to the social injustices and racial inequalities that need to be addressed. The very Mets- organization continues to commit to making meaningful change in our society. ”
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