Jason Vargas Challenges Reporter to Fight in Mets Locker Room After NSFW Mickey Callaway Rant
By Karl Rasmussen
Just when you think things couldn't get any worse for the Mets, something outrageous as this happens.
Following the Mets' loss to the Cubs on Sunday evening, manager Mickey Callaway was the recipient of some harsh questioning from reporters, and it apparently pushed him and starting pitcher Jason Vargas to their boiling point.
Tension in the clubhouse. Jason Vargas had to be separated from going after Tim Healey of Newsday.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) June 23, 2019
This is absolutely wild. Not only did Callaway curse out a reporter, identified as Newsday's Tim Healey, but Vargas and Healey had to be separated from one another as things seemed as if they were about to escalate out of control.
Was Vargas really about to engage in a physical altercation with a reporter? It certainly sounds that way. Such is the mood in Flushing right about now.
Mickey Callaway and Jason Vargas just cursed out, and in Vargas case, challenged a reporter to a fight in the clubhouse.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
Vargas wasn't even involved in Sunday's game, as Jacob deGrom was the starting pitcher for the Amazins, so it's extremely bizarre that he and Healey were even in a situation where things could get testy.
All told, Callaway's comments certainly didn't do anything to smooth out the situation.
Mickey did not like a remark made by a reporter as he walked by in the clubhouse.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
"Don't be a smartass, mother*******."
Later says: "get the **** put of here. We don't need that bull****"
The Mets blew a late lead thanks to a three-run homer from the bat of Javier Báez. Reporters naturally had questions, as they were wondering why the skipper continues to refuse to use star closer Edwin Diaz in multi-inning situations.
Mickey says Diaz won't go 5 outs. Was defiant. Said that's their plan
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 23, 2019
When (I) asked if that plan needs to be malleable when guy had thrown 12 pitches in 8 days, he said: "Why? Because you think so?"
Also said Lugo can go 50 pitches.
This is just adding fuel to the fire that is blazing in Queens, as fans and even the press are seemingly getting under the skin of Callaway and his players. Something needs to change soon before hands start being thrown.