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
Vargas then got into a shouting match with the reporter, over a staredown, and said at one point: "Ill knock you the f*** out, bro."
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
He charged such reporter and had to held back by Gomez and Syndergaard.
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
Callaway asked Mets PR to remove the reporter from the clubhouse, saying "(the reporter) will be here tomorrow."
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) June 23, 2019
Guess who might not be here tomorrow? In my opinion, this altercation was chaotic enough to end Callaway's managerial tenure with the Mets.
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