On Tuesday, October 27, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured the victory in the 2020 World Series, one of the most viewed athletic events in the United States. But the World Series was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Players were constantly tested in order to play in these games, trying not to infect the whole team with this deadly virus. But one of the key players who had this virus was removed from the game and still ended up celebrating with the whole team after winning the trophy.
Justin Turner is a 2017 All-Star third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and was nominated for the 2017 National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award. Tuner was exposed to COVID-19 prior to Game 6 of the World series. During the late innings of Game 6, test results came back that Turner was positive for COVID-19 and was immediately removed from the game. He was then isolated in a room by himself in order to ensure everyone else’s safety from the virus.
After the game ended Justin Turner posted a tweet saying, “Thanks to everyone reaching out! I feel great, no symptoms at all. Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine. Can’t believe I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my guys! So proud of this team & unbelievably happy for the City of LA.”
Turner tweeted after the game, but the photo taken of the team together on the field that goes in the history books; clearly shows Turner in the front row right next to the championship trophy. This should have been handled a lot differently based on the team and field staff’s safety.
With Turner and the Dodgers organization trying to keep the pandemic secure and not reaching out to each player, nothing was taken care of after the game. After the game, Turner took pictures with the team, hugged teammates and other players, gave high-fives and kissed loved ones. He also hung out with Dave Roberts, the manager of the Dodgers who is a cancer survivor. This is the time Justin Turner should be coming out public and saying he is sorry. He should admit that he put hundreds of people at risk of getting covid and may have caused deaths.
The next day after the World series was over, all of the Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays players went under self-quarantine at their own homes. This was after Turner exposed everyone during the celebration of Game 6. Turner and his wife returned back to their home separately from the team according to the Dodgers organization.
Those six games took place in Arlington, Texas for the World Series made it possible for the MLB organization to separate players that come in contact with COVID. But these protocols did not take place when the team knew of Turner’s positive results.
After this event, Justin Turner and the Dodger organization should apologize to the other players and their families. Turner’s negligence, bruised a championship team’s legacy which sends a terrible message to fans at a time when COVID-19 is at an all time high.
