NEW YORK, May 1 (Reuters) - Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell has been suspended for two weeks without pay because of "inappropriate conduct" toward fans, Major League Baseball (MLB) said on Sunday.
McDowell has also been fined an undisclosed amount and will be required to participate in a sensitivity training program following his behavior at AT&T Park in San Francisco on April 23.
The league launched an investigation after McDowell was accused by a California man, Justin Quinn, of making homophobic comments and crude sexual gestures to three male fans sitting in the bleachers during pregame batting practice.
"Conduct by people associated with MLB that shows insensitivity to others simply cannot and will not be tolerated," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement.
"I understand that Mr. McDowell is very contrite about his conduct, and hopefully this incident will be used to increase public awareness of the importance of sensitivity to others.
"I commend Justin Quinn and his family for bringing this issue to our attention so that it will not happen again in the future."
In a statement issued by the Braves on Wednesday, McDowell said: "I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday. "I apologize to everyone for my actions."
Quinn, 33, described what took place at AT&T Park during a news conference with his attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles last week.
Appalled by McDowell's behavior toward the three male fans, Quinn called out: 'Hey, there are kids out here'. He alleged that the pitching coach replied: "Kids don't **** belong at the baseball park.'
According to Quinn, McDowell then picked up a baseball bat, walked up to him and asked: 'How much are your teeth worth?'"
In a statement, Quinn said: "When I go to a baseball game and take my family, I expect a higher standard of conduct from the team and its coaches.
"Children should not be told they do not belong at a ballpark. Major League Baseball should not tolerate this kind of disgusting and offensive conduct and that is why I am speaking out today."
McDowell's suspension is retroactive to Friday, when he was placed on administrative leave by the Braves.
McDowell has also been fined an undisclosed amount and will be required to participate in a sensitivity training program following his behavior at AT&T Park in San Francisco on April 23.
The league launched an investigation after McDowell was accused by a California man, Justin Quinn, of making homophobic comments and crude sexual gestures to three male fans sitting in the bleachers during pregame batting practice.
"Conduct by people associated with MLB that shows insensitivity to others simply cannot and will not be tolerated," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement.
"I understand that Mr. McDowell is very contrite about his conduct, and hopefully this incident will be used to increase public awareness of the importance of sensitivity to others.
"I commend Justin Quinn and his family for bringing this issue to our attention so that it will not happen again in the future."
In a statement issued by the Braves on Wednesday, McDowell said: "I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday. "I apologize to everyone for my actions."
Quinn, 33, described what took place at AT&T Park during a news conference with his attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles last week.
Appalled by McDowell's behavior toward the three male fans, Quinn called out: 'Hey, there are kids out here'. He alleged that the pitching coach replied: "Kids don't **** belong at the baseball park.'
According to Quinn, McDowell then picked up a baseball bat, walked up to him and asked: 'How much are your teeth worth?'"
In a statement, Quinn said: "When I go to a baseball game and take my family, I expect a higher standard of conduct from the team and its coaches.
"Children should not be told they do not belong at a ballpark. Major League Baseball should not tolerate this kind of disgusting and offensive conduct and that is why I am speaking out today."
McDowell's suspension is retroactive to Friday, when he was placed on administrative leave by the Braves.
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