Mickey Callaway and Jason Vargas In Clubhouse Confrontation With Newsday Reporter [UPDATES]
The Mets suffered a rough loss in Wrigley Field today after leading for much of the game before Javy Baez hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the Cubs ahead 5-3.
After the game, Mets manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas (who did not pitch today) evidently were displeased with Newsday reporter Tim Healey, as things got contentious and then reportedly nearly a bit physical:
Mickey Callaway and Jason Vargas just cursed out, and in Vargas case, challenged a reporter to a fight in the clubhouse.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
Mickey did not like a remark made by a reporter as he walked by in the clubhouse.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
"Don't be a smartass, mother*******."
Later says: "get the **** put of here. We don't need that bull****"
There were no punches thrown in this incident.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
But, after a really bad, 5-3, loss to the Cubs, the manager cursed out a reporter and a starting pitcher told the reporter he'd knock him out.
Tension in the clubhouse. Jason Vargas had to be separated from going after Tim Healey of Newsday.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) June 23, 2019
Incident started with Mickey Callaway cursing out Healey for being an antagonist.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) June 23, 2019
Vargas charged at the reporter and multiple people, including Carlos Gomez and Noah Syndergaard, had to separate them. The reporter left the clubhouse shortly after.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) June 23, 2019
The aftermath of this incident should be illuminating. Wonder what Healey possibly could have said to elicit this type of fractious reaction.
UPDATE: According to Matt Ehalt of Yahoo, Healey told Callaway “See you tomorrow” and it was perceived as snark.
UPDATE II: The Mets statement is out:
Statement from the Mets: pic.twitter.com/RPLO1o4axD
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) June 24, 2019