Rockies sideline rookie Cole Carrigg after he gestures at Braves fans
Colorado outfielder Cole Carrigg was benched for a few days after a televised middle-finger to Atlanta fans during a close loss.
During the bottom of the eighth inning of a 2-1 Braves victory in Atlanta, rookie outfielder Cole Carrigg chased a line drive from Michael Harris but missed, allowing a go-ahead run. After the play, he appeared to hear boos from the stands and flashed a middle finger that a broadcast camera recorded. Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer announced that Carrigg would be benched for "a couple days" because the conduct embarrassed the organization.
The 24-year-old later apologized to teammates and the club, calling his actions inexcusable and vowing to play at full intensity. He did not start the following game but appeared as a pinch-hitter and defensive substitute, with Schaeffer indicating further bench time is likely. The Rockies head into a home series against the Orioles with Carrigg still on the bench.
Why it matters
The incident highlights team discipline standards and the impact of player conduct on a franchise's public image.
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