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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Fan alleges Romero assaulted him after steroid comment
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.
Posted by David Murphy @ 2:17 PM  Permalink | 76 comments
76
Comments   
Posted 02:38 PM, 06/27/2009
JohnnySak
Nice move, JC.
Posted 02:38 PM, 06/27/2009
JohnnySak
Nice move, JC.
Posted 02:45 PM, 06/27/2009
greenbuff
Dude was just looking to get someone to do something like that so he can get paid. That "assault" sounds like someone just wanted deep pockets somewhere. It's a shame JC bit.
Posted 02:52 PM, 06/27/2009
iceman
Maybe JC should save some of that energy to get a few miles per hour back on his fastball. Either that, or start taking those "vitamins" he was taking last year.
Posted 02:55 PM, 06/27/2009
gizmo68
I hope he kicked the guys a**!
Posted 03:01 PM, 06/27/2009
phillyguy93
i am not lying i was there i was waiting for autographs and jc romero came out and was talking to the phils fans and there was a rays fan there and he was saying stuff to himand jc said something back and then the rays fan said i bet you wont hit me and jc smacked him and walked away it wasnt anything big really.
Posted 03:05 PM, 06/27/2009
demise1893
I can certainly understand J.C.'s frustration; I would imagine the guy made some comments about his supplement use. Even so, you represent the Phillies and as such must act like a professional all the time.
Posted 03:11 PM, 06/27/2009
subsonickharma
J.C. should press charges on the guy for harrassment.
Posted 03:13 PM, 06/27/2009
adman
Pro athletes have to deal with losers like this Robert Eaton all the time, jerks who feel they have immunity to act rude and be offensive, because they know if the player does react, this is what happens.
Comment removed.
Posted 03:14 PM, 06/27/2009
maximusud
i hate people from florida
Posted 03:19 PM, 06/27/2009
Drew777
I think all players should retaliate against fans. I'm glade he did it. People think they can abuse players outside the stadium. He reacted just like the average person would.
Posted 03:19 PM, 06/27/2009
wolfburn
yeah if JC shows a little more emotion when he is on the mound
Posted 03:20 PM, 06/27/2009
adman
Rays "fan", Please... loser looking for a pay day. Romero stupid enough to give him one! If JC gets suspended for this he should be allowed to actually hit the guy at least once.
Posted 03:24 PM, 06/27/2009
wolfburn
wanna be Fight Club Fan, they were in Florida and adman that is the typical Philly fan for you.
Posted 03:25 PM, 06/27/2009
ChampAnderson
maybe that guy will learn to shut his fat mouth next time. he was looking to get a reaction and he got one. something tells me that locker rooms everywhere are silently praising JC. I know I am.
Posted 03:27 PM, 06/27/2009
ckirk255
Just looked up his name in whitepages for Tampa. Theres about 10 Eatons that come up. Get the hate mail ready to flow
Posted 03:28 PM, 06/27/2009
travellin
The fan obviously, was trying to provoke an incident. A real wuss.
Posted 03:31 PM, 06/27/2009
rw5381
Rays fans are a JOKE!! He should have chokeslammed the loser.
Comment removed.
Posted 03:39 PM, 06/27/2009
meaned
The rays dont have fans
Posted 03:39 PM, 06/27/2009
Sillies
fans are real tough guys when they mouth off and talk smack... some of them should get smacked around... however JC has to keep his cool cause now he's gonna lose more money... phillyguy you shoulda whacked the guy for him... loser fraud Fla wanna=be punk fans...
Posted 03:40 PM, 06/27/2009
sillybilly
Glad we don't do stuff like that in Philly. Imagine us heckling opposing players?
Posted 03:42 PM, 06/27/2009
MYWIFEISPIST
i was at the series and several of my friends were thrown out of the place for no reason. but any rays fan that complained about a phillies fan the phillies fan got tossed even if they werent doing anything but getting excited when the phillies actually did something good in the game. i was sitting there with my 4 year old son when a security guard came up and said that someone complained that we were throwing f-bombs and starting fights(remember im sitting with my 4 year old son watching the game) so the security guy had the cops escort me and my son to the front door and then outside, when all along it was the guys behind us(rays fans) saying that people from philly are f-ing bums and and f-ing losers, so i turned asked nicely to stop, they continued so i moved me and my son over a few seats and they moved with us. next thing u know me and my 4 year old son were tossed for no reason because those guys wanted us out. security and the cops said they did not want to hear anything from my mouth (as far as defending me and my son) or they were taking me to jail. that just goes to show the fans from tampon bay act like as*holes and the world owes them something because there teams sucked for so long, that goes for the cops and security working the game. tampa fans dont even show up unless there teams have a winning record or are in the play-offs, they are weak fans, weak people and all of tampa and that building can fall off the face of the earth as far as im concerned.
Posted 03:50 PM, 06/27/2009
erniebanks14
I hoped JC kicked his freakin' behind! I can't see any reason why he would have been involved unless he was prodded by some idiot Rays fan.
Posted 03:52 PM, 06/27/2009
jibberjabber
Once a cheater, always a cheater. Cheaters never win......
Posted 04:07 PM, 06/27/2009
Julius May
The Phils do not needs this distraction.
Posted 04:11 PM, 06/27/2009
The Young Geezer
Was that Adam Eaton???
Posted 04:13 PM, 06/27/2009
chasemutley
JC's innocent. There weren't any Tampa fans at any of the games. All the police have to do is watch a replay. The stands were all RED. TAMPA SUX!!!!!
Posted 04:18 PM, 06/27/2009
phigglesfan75
Two things: 1)It just goes to show that their are other ignorant fans, not just fans in Philly...2) I understand how we are playing, and Romero is not happy about everything that has transpired over this "steroid usage", but the better way to handle the stupid Rays fan was to just walk away...Class is the best way to act after the situation.
Posted 04:19 PM, 06/27/2009
VermontPhilsFan
JC blew it cause now he will hear it from all the fans on the road.
Posted 04:20 PM, 06/27/2009
JonKap
Won't be much of a deal. Most judges don't like instigators much. I doubt the dude gets much of anything.
Posted 04:23 PM, 06/27/2009
colon1951
hey greenbuff I agree with you, that duo jost want to make some money and he took Romero for the ride, and the police is going to be on the other guy side, so that ho it is and Romero goint to pay,becaues the police going to leve it at that.
Posted 04:25 PM, 06/27/2009
colon1951
hey greenbuff I agree with you, that duo jost want to make some money and he took Romero for the ride, and the police is going to be on the other guy side, so that ho it is and Romero goint to pay,becaues the police going to leve it at that.
Posted 04:31 PM, 06/27/2009
Buddude
How old was this guy? That is the real question. If he is under 18, then JC had no reason to touch him. If he is over 18, he needs to stop asking for autographs. I asked for autographs until I was about 13. Losers like Robert Eaton hang on to their adoration for players and ask for autographs well into their thirties. THAT is a real loser. Get a job Robert Eaton and get out of your momma's basement. This was probably the blogger who accussed Raul of roids too.
Posted 04:47 PM, 06/27/2009
kmon
Unfortunately, when something like J.C.'s suspension for steroids happens people are bound to say something to him, negatviely about it. This won't be the last time it comes up, imagine where some of the bullpens are, fans may yell stuff about supplements the whole time he's down there. He's going to have to learn to block it out or find himself in a lot of trouble. Do you think A-Rod hasn't heard anything?
Posted 04:51 PM, 06/27/2009
WagnerSucks
the rays have a fan? SHOCKING.
Posted 04:52 PM, 06/27/2009
WagnerSucks
Another case of roid rage?
Posted 04:58 PM, 06/27/2009
old baseball guy
Robert Eaton? I bet he's related to Adam.
Posted 05:03 PM, 06/27/2009
cmp1968
He must be related to Adam Eaton ... trying to get money for nothing.
Posted 05:06 PM, 06/27/2009
KMG
I'm pretty sure the guy wasn't realted to Adam Eaton- if was, he would've left his chin and face right over the middle of Romero's punch path so Romero could hit it 500 feet.
Posted 05:14 PM, 06/27/2009
mainlinephan
I feel sorry for JC. If I were him, I would have done the same thing. The pu--y fan is looking for a pay day. I'd like to kick his a-- too. People like that deserve to get their a-- kicked.
Posted 05:15 PM, 06/27/2009
PhillyPhan35
Unfortunately, he punched the wrong Eaton! Now if the South Paw punched Adam Eaton, that would have been worth it!
Posted 05:27 PM, 06/27/2009
bobcitydoc
Whey would anyone say anything to JC. The guy is a bit...errr...emotional. First K-Rod now JC. The word is out America, talk smack to Latin relievers at your own risk!
Posted 05:49 PM, 06/27/2009
IGGLES1980
As an avid card collector and a guy who staked out hotels all day and night in my very younger years, I like BUDDUDE's comment more than most. This is a 25 year old guy who most likely had too many alcoholic beverages and is just there to cause problems. Unfortunately Romero will be the bad guy here but there are more than just a few guys like this who just want to cause trouble after some libations. My personal feeling is that I wish he would have gotten pulverized because the guy was being disrespectful and rude - the reality is that no one in the media who has a sounding board will ever say the same.
Posted 06:09 PM, 06/27/2009
pfranklin
I completely am on Romero's side for this one. Sorry, but as a Phillies fan I'm not siding with anyone named EATON. Be sure to check out my full take on the situation, as well as others at http://payoffpitch.mlblogs.com/ You'll have hours upon hours of fun.
Posted 06:11 PM, 06/27/2009
bobbyd24
This isn't a popular or politically correct opinion, but good for Romero. I can't stand people who think they can just say whatever they want to a pro athlete because they assume there's some kind of wall between they and them. If you want to run your mouth, then man up.
Comment removed.
Posted 06:27 PM, 06/27/2009
Romes
I was seated directly behind the Phillies bullpen that night. The fans were drunk as hell and continued shouted obscenities throughout. One fat slob repeatedly tried to get into it with Phillies fans until security had enough of him and tossed him. Look, everyone knows how it is at games but security down there is a joke and they literally have fans getting hammered seated less than a foot away from the opposing team. Is it really a surprise that Romero would tell the guy to stfu after three hours of listening to that sort of nonsense? Not from where I sit, it isn't. And LOL at the punk filing a complaint with the cops too. Maybe next time he'll think twice before shooting his mouth off? Nah - probably not. Tampa fans aren't too bright.
Comment removed.
Posted 06:46 PM, 06/27/2009
JFranklin
If FL authorities had any balls, they'd laugh the complaint off. If youre gonna instigate and talk sh**, then you deserve whatever comes of it.
Posted 06:55 PM, 06/27/2009
Philliesin2008
Man, for once I could not disagree more with the replies of this article. David Murphy should have substituted the "assault" word for "Roid rage," JC is a loser. As for the idea athletes have to put up with fans and should be able to retaliate, thats nuts. JC gets paid BIG bucks to ignore this idiot, get on the bus, and forget about it. He only is hurting the team and its a shame because they need him right now.
Posted 07:05 PM, 06/27/2009
Romes
He gets paid to play professional baseball not to be subjected to verbal abuse from drunken louts. As I said, I was there and heard firsthand the abuse they were taking. Add in the close proximity they allow to the opposing team and incidents like this are going to happen.
Posted 07:37 PM, 06/27/2009
Philliesin2008
Romes- Tampa Bay Rays have played 37 home games so far this season with major rivals like the Yankees and RedSox coming to town. You honestly believe those guys did not have to put up with badgering from the home crowd? They all managed to walk away without raging on a fan. And I am sure you have been to Citizen's Bank Park and have heard what is shouted to the visiting team, its crazy. None of those player have ever responded with a physical altercation. You can stick up for him as much as you want, but I will say it again. JC is a loser, should have never did what he did, and its wrong.
Posted 07:56 PM, 06/27/2009
St.Patrick33
Philly fan behavior in other stadiums. Yet, somehow it's unacceptable when it occurs to a Phillie, who obviously can't handle the criticism. Romero should no better. The player's union spend a lot of time and money telling these guys to stay under control at all times. This is un-excusable. No excuses.
Posted 08:01 PM, 06/27/2009
chollie
sissy Florida guy gets what he asks for - big deal
Posted 08:28 PM, 06/27/2009
erniebanks14
That fan had no right or cause to make a dumb comment like that. JC should have wiped up the floor with that jerk.
Posted 08:31 PM, 06/27/2009
Delaware Jim
The Phillies' lawyers should make every player take anger management courses. To fools like this Eaton fellow, pro ballplayers are millionaires, and thereby targets for frivolous lawsuits. Why do you think boxers have surrounded themselves with thug body guards for the last 100 years? Indeed everybody who has a decent job during this recession/depression should be on the lookout for trashy people trying to pick fights in order to go to court or to settle outside court. Walking away from potential trouble is not just classy, it is also a way to save your family a lot of agony.
Posted 08:31 PM, 06/27/2009
Delaware Jim
The Phillies' lawyers should make every player take anger management courses. To fools like this Eaton fellow, pro ballplayers are millionaires, and thereby targets for frivolous lawsuits. Why do you think boxers have surrounded themselves with thug body guards for the last 100 years? Indeed everybody who has a decent job during this recession/depression should be on the lookout for trashy people trying to pick fights in order to go to court or to settle outside court. Walking away from potential trouble is not just classy, it is also a way to save your family a lot of agony.
Posted 08:33 PM, 06/27/2009
Romes
J.C. Romero is a loser? Yeah, a loser with a World Series ring.
Posted 08:49 PM, 06/27/2009
Justicek
I watched those games in Florida. All I saw in the stands was Phillies fans and the vendors. Are you sure it was a Rays fans? I hear they don't come out until the playoffs. Maybe he was an angry Mets fan in disguise looking to mess up the Phils. Hard to believe anyone living on Florida would care about anything except fishing and smokin' a bowl . . .
Posted 08:55 PM, 06/27/2009
Phront_Runner
JC should've punched his head off his shoulders...punk!
Posted 11:15 PM, 06/27/2009
flabird1954
Guy should learn to keep his mouth shut! Probably a midwestern transplant. Way to go JC....Tampa fans are losers...all of them!
Posted 11:16 PM, 06/27/2009
joenose
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.
Posted 11:59 PM, 06/27/2009
RICH W ALLEN
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.
Posted 03:45 AM, 06/28/2009
Johnnyboyl
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!
Posted 04:47 AM, 06/28/2009
flavious27
isn't rays fan an oxymoron like military intelligence?
Posted 06:18 AM, 06/28/2009
NC Dennis
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.
Posted 06:19 AM, 06/28/2009
Nailz
Just another stupid Redneck from Port Richey...he deserved it. Should've slapped him!
Posted 07:59 AM, 06/28/2009
platinumgeek
rays fans are still hatin' from last year when the world champion philadelphia phillies smoked them.
Posted 08:53 AM, 06/28/2009
L.A.Smith
let me see....I get sloshed, and then with my booze muscles and fogged brain, I taunt an athlete about his most delicate subject, OHH and in front of my 2 kids and it's J c Romero's fault!!!
Posted 10:50 AM, 06/28/2009
TexasYankee
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..
Posted 11:19 AM, 06/28/2009
brinkmang
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!
Posted 11:37 AM, 06/28/2009
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.
Posted 06:50 AM, 06/29/2009
mick314
Did JC actually connect with him or was his punch high and outside ?
Posted 08:56 AM, 06/29/2009
MooseBreathMints
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!
About David Murphy
David Murphy joined the Daily News as its Phillies beat writer in February of 2008. Born in Upper Merion and raised in the Poconos, he attended college at La Salle University before taking jobs with the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News and the St. Petersburg ( Fla. ) Times.

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