An American Association umpire has been fired after a physical ejection during a Tuesday Independent League contest between the Sioux City Explorers and Kansas City T-Bones. In the bottom of the third inning, Explorers batter Peter Barrows was ruled to have fouled a pitch with two strikes that T-Bones manager Kenny Hook thought had been missed entirely for a third strike. Following an argument in which Hook was ejected by home plate umpire Mike Riggers, Hook snatched down his hat before strongly bumping the umpire.
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| Umpire fired for a bump? |
Instead of simply acknowledging the bump, however, Riggers responded with a minor chest bump of his own as Hooks and Riggers continued to verbally joust, Hook pushed away by an assistant coach and Riggers guided back by third base umpire Dixon Sturman as first base umpire Justin Anderson observed the proceedings.
Oddly enough, Hook received a three-game suspension while Riggers was expelled from the league. In May, umpire Bob Davidson
was suspended by MLB for repeated violations of BOC's situation handling standards after a run-in with Charlie Manuel.
Video:
Hooks argues, is ejected and bumps Riggers, who responds with an argument of his own
News:
X's and Oh's ... Riggers fired after third-inning dust-up with Hook
Image:
Animated GIF of Hook bumping Riggers ... who in turn delivers a minor bump to Hook
