Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm maintained his stance on Saturday, insisting he did nothing wrong when he was ejected Thursday for disputing a controversial called third strike on a low 3-2 pitch.
Jazz Chisholm was subsequently handed a one-game suspension by MLB on Friday after publicly criticizing umpire John Bacon on social media immediately following his ejection. However, he believes he has a strong case for overturning the suspension in his upcoming appeal.
“There is a gray area,” Chisholm said Saturday, addressing his use of social media during the game. “I’m not in the game. I’m not technically part of the game after that (ejection).”
Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm accuses MLB
MLB rules prohibit players from using electronic devices during games, a regulation Jazz Chisholm feels doesn’t explicitly apply once a player is ejected. He argues that since he was no longer participating, his action falls outside the established boundaries.
Jazz Chisholm is also planning to contest the league’s rule forbidding players from publicly criticizing umpires, citing freedom of speech as a defense.
“I think it’s freedom of speech,” he argued. “I think we should be able to say whatever we want to say. At the end of the day, it’s a lash out. It probably wouldn’t happen again.”
The hearing for Jazz Chisholm’s appeal is scheduled to occur next Thursday in New York, coinciding with an off-day for the Yankees.
When asked about the $5,000 fine accompanying his suspension, JazzChisholm was unfazed, humorously dismissing its significance given his $5.85 million salary for the current season.
“It was OK,” he said with a casual smile and shrug, indicating little concern about the financial penalty.
Was it worth it?
“Yep,” he confirmed.
Jazz Chisholm was ejected in the top of the seventh inning during Thursday’s matchup, a game the Yankees ultimately won 6-3 against the Rays. Shortly afterward, at 9:24 p.m., he vented his frustration on social media platform X, posting, “Not even f—ing close!!!!!”
The tweet was quickly deleted, disappearing before the conclusion of the game at 9:53 p.m. Jazz Chisholm clarified that neither he nor the Yankees prompted the removal of his controversial post.
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