Fan alleges Romero assaulted him after steroid comment
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Fan alleges Romero assaulted him after steroid comment
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The Phillies have acknowledged they are aware of an incident with a fan involving lefthander J.C. Romero after their loss to the Rays Thursday night, but say are they are still in the process of gathering information. Robert Eaton, a 25-year-old resident of New Port Richey, Fla., filed a police report alleging that Romero assaulted him soon after the game, the St. Petersburg Times reported earlier today.Eaton told the Times that Romero responded angrily to a comment Eaton made about steroids. He alleges that Romero "grabbed him by the neck" and "pushed him" after Eaton asked the reliever, who was suspended 50 games earlier this season for a positive drug test, "for some juice."
Romero initially declined to address the situation. When asked by a reporter if he wanted to hear Eaton's claims, Romero responded:
"What'd he say? That he was drunk and got into a fight?. . .I'm not going to comment about it. I'm trying to be professional and I don't really want to get into that. Don't make a story out of nothing."
Asked when he found out about the fan's complaint, Romero answered: "I don't know what's going on. I'm just finding out through you guys."
Romero did not appear in the Phillies' 10-0 win over the Blue Jays, which featured a complete game from lefthander J.A. Happ.
"We're disappointed to learn about the alleged incident with a Rays fan and one of our players following Thursday night's game at Tropicana Field," the Phillies said in a statement. "We are in the process of gathering all of the details surrounding the situation. Until such information is provided, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time."
In January, Romero was suspended for 50 games for a positive drug test, which he maintains came as the result of use of an over-the-counter supplement. A lawsuit against supplement manufacturer ErgoPharm and two retail stores is pending.
A police dispatcher confirmed to the Times that a report was filed from Tropicana Field around 11 p.m. Thursday night. Romero did not appear in the game.
On Friday night, the Rays released this statement to the Times:
"We are aware of an alleged incident between a Phillies player and a fan. At this point it is a police matter and for that reason we won't have any further comment."
Eaton told the times that he was attempting to get autographs after the game. After Romero ignored his request, Eaton shouted a remark about steroids.
Eaton alleges that Romero told him to "shut the f--- up," the Times reported.
"He reared back and kinda grazed my chin and grabbed me by the neck and threw me back," Eaton said, according to the Times. "I was in shock."
Messages left for Eaton by the Daily News were not immediately returned.
Comments (74)
Guy should learn to keep his mouth shut! Probably a midwestern transplant. Way to go JC....Tampa fans are losers...all of them!— flabird1954- Read the comments after the story in the St Pete Times. Most of those who posted comments, even those from the Rays fans, are supporting JC. A lot of you so called fans are not. Stop hating for once. You same people were kissing up to JC last fall. Now some redneck is trying to extort money so he can get out of the trailer park, and you low lifes support him. Go figure. You're a bunch of miserable idiots who need to get a life.— joenose
- During the world series Rays players went out of their way to criticize Philadelphia fans. Apparently Phillies players are treated no differently in Tampa. Phillies fans take a bad rap.— RICH W ALLEN
- Did anyone notice the guys last name? Wait a minute... are you sure it/s not Adam Eaton looking for a free payday from the Phillies. It's happened before!
- isn't rays fan an oxymoron like military intelligence?— flavious27
- People just gotta be part of something. Go to the game and have a good time then go home. Stop with the juvenile autograph stuff.— NC Dennis
Just another stupid Redneck from Port Richey...he deserved it. Should've slapped him!— Nailz- rays fans are still hatin' from last year when the world champion philadelphia phillies smoked them.— platinumgeek
Comment removed.- So because Romero is a Paid ball player he should just take abuse from any idiot that comes along? Used to be a time when people were responsible for what comes out of their mouths, but not now..and that moron is going to get paid. I wasn't thrilled when Philles fans were all over Lance Parrish's wife either, so yeah it goes both ways Go Ricky, any more fans wanna talk like big men, I'll even hold them for you while you choke some respect back into them..— TexasYankee
- It's OK for a hemorrhoid like this to verbally abuse a player but when the player defends himself and his honor, he's a bad guy. Now this lying POS is saying all he wanted was an autograph. If he felt so strongly about JC being suspended for drugs, then why would he want his autograph? This moron set a terrific example for his 2 kids and was just baiting Romero so he could get paid. If this is the kind of conduct that he demonstrates, then perhaps he should be banned from big league parks!— brinkmang
- A lot of these idiots think they are part of the game and on an equal plane with the players. They don't respect them and have no problem with interfering with their privacy or invading their space. A long time ago in a land far away I had the pleasure of meeting Joe DiMaggio at the baggage claim in the SF airport. When I recognized him, I went down to his claim area that was taped off and simply made eye contact and waived at him. He waived back and gestured adios with his hands. So did I as I turned and left. I was tempted to ask him for an autograph but decided against it, because I didn't want to violate his space. I'm sure he thought more of me than if I yelled at him and asked for his autograph. Also I'm sure he recognized the respect I had for him. Joe was an icon, a gentleman and seemed to be shy. He was quite a classy guy and a GREAT ballplayer. It was a moment I'll never forget.— brinkmang
- Did JC actually connect with him or was his punch high and outside ?— mick314
- 0.2539 is Jimmy Rollins On Base Percentage. Of all qualified shortstops(all those who have played shortstops this year)who have no less than 100 at bats, Jimmy is ranked 49th place out of 51 players. HE IS TRULY a "lead-off hitter?" Let's hope for his best!!!! ...and the team's best interest!
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