Astros Release Official Statement on Justin Verlander-Detroit Free Press Beef

In a bizarre turn of events Wednesday night, the Houston Astros denied a reporter, identified as the Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech, access to Justin Verlander's post-game presser following the club's 2-1 loss to the Tigers.

As expected, JV received quite a bit of backlash for his ultimatum and responded on Twitter in an attempt to rationalize his ludicrous decision, claiming that Fenech has displayed "unethical behavior in the past."

Fast forward to Thursday evening, however, and the Astros have provided a statement on the uncanny predicament.

So, essentially Houston is saying that Verlander is so entitled that he has the power to prevent a reporter from doing his/her job. Regardless if the pair aren't on particularly great terms, denying Fenech access to the interview seems unfair.

Something tell us that if he picked up the W last night, he would've had no qualms speaking to all members of the Detroit Free Press.

The fact of the matter is that the 36-year-old right hander violated the collective bargaining agreement, which states that he must engage with the press and cannot deny any encounter based on alleged grievances.

And yet, the Astros still opted to not hold their staff ace accountable. Instead, they defended him and called it an "isolated case" and deemed their actions as "appropriate."