MLB

Mets fine Mickey Callaway, Jason Vargas after run-in with Newsday reporter

Associated Press
Monday, June 24, 2019 5:43 p.m. | Monday, June 24, 2019 5:43 p.m.

New York Mets’ Jason Vargas, right, is accompanied by manager Mickey Callaway as he leaves a baseball game during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field, Sunday, June 16, 2019, in New York.

PHILADELPHIA — The New York Mets have fined manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter after a weekend loss at Wrigley Field.

General manager Brodie Van Wagenen made the announcement before the Mets played Monday night in Philadelphia. He did not disclose the amount of the fines.

Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the clubhouse after a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. There was no physical contact.

Callaway called it a “misunderstanding,” Vargas said it was “an unfortunate distraction” and Van Wagenen said it was “regrettable on many levels.”

"Billy Martin punched a reporter one time…I'm a passionate guy about baseball, I'm a tough competitor" – Mickey Callaway pic.twitter.com/GOz6UFml7H

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 24, 2019

Van Wagnenen said Callaway’s status as manager remains unchanged. The Mets are 37-41.

In a story published by Newsday on Sunday night, Healey said Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon called him “to apologize on behalf of the organization.”

ICYMI: @AdamSchein says Mickey Callaway should have been fired weeks ago & Mets fans know in their hearts they have no chance pic.twitter.com/J766iK7Hpc

— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) June 24, 2019