The Wilpons didn’t let Brodie Van Wagenen’s apology be the last word regarding Thursday’s hot-mic video flap.
Mets owner Fred Wilpon and his son, COO Jeff Wilpon, blasted their general manager for comments on a hot-mic in which he mistakenly ripped commissioner Rob Manfred for suggesting that the Mets and Marlins take the field and then walk off at the game’s scheduled start time and then play an hour later. Van Wagenen later said it was Jeff Wilpon’s idea and not Manfred. The game was eventually postponed after the teams walked off the field in a show of support for social justice and racial equality.
The 83-year-old Fred Wilpon took aim at the 46-year-old Van Wagenen for his erroneous comments about Manfred.
“I am very stressed and disappointed to learn tonight that our General Manager, Brodie Van Wagenen, made disrespectful and inaccurate comments about our Commissioner, a long-time close friend of mine,” Fred Wilpon said in a statement. “I hold Rob in the highest regard and in no way are Brod[ie]’s remarks reflective of my views or the organization’s.
“Rob continues to be a great leader of Major League Baseball. I apologize for any harm this incident has caused Rob.”
The 57-year-old Jeff Wilpon ripped Van Wagenen for misrepresenting his position in the hot-mic video.
“To clear up any misunderstandings, it was my suggestion to potentially look into playing the game later because of scheduling issues,” Jeff Wilpon said. “Brod[ie]’s misunderstanding of a private conversation was and is inexcusable.
“We fully respect our players and the Marlins players decision to not play tonight and appreciate the sincerity of all those who wish to draw attention to social injustices and racial inequalities that must be addressed. The entire Mets organization remains committed to creating meaningful change in our society.”
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