In many sports the players are permitted to be introduced to music that they choose. Whether it is something that pumps them up, a song that holds a special place for the player, or simply just something they like, many players use the opportunity to express their individual taste.
One such player, Mike Clevinger, a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox has come under fire for his choice of walk out songs. When Clevinger took the mound to make his home debut in Chicago on Friday, the starting pitcher chose a song that raised some eyebrows.
While it was his choice, and the team didn’t seem concerned enough to tell him no, some in the media are still up in arms. Clevinger, who threw six scoreless innings of one-hit ball against the Baltimore Orioles, came out of the bullpen before the game to “Gold Digger” by Kanye West.
Considering the missteps West has made of late, the blowback wasn’t shocking. When questioned about his selection in the post game interview, Clevinger wasn’t keen to answer questions about his music. He said: “Are you a music producer? No? OK. Well, if you have a baseball question, I’m here for you,”
While it would seem reasonable for players to actually answer questions about the game and their performance, we have to remember the age we live in and how the media is starving to create any controversy.
White Sox’ Mike Clevinger questioned about walkout song before home debut https://t.co/WFO0Rz22mA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 15, 2023
So, what caused the uproar, besides Clevinger choosing a song by an alleged anti-semite? Apparently it had something to do with some unproven allegations from one of Clevinger’s exes. Fox News reported this:
In January, a woman named Olivia Finestead posted on her Instagram alleging that she was the mother of Clevinger’s child and claimed he had fathered two other children who were not hers. She posted a photo of marks on her body with accompanying words that alleged the injuries were “from when he threw an iPad at me pregnant” and “finally left when he strangled me.”
The scorned lover went on to say via Fox News: “Mike Clevinger you really deserve hell I’ve kept quiet now for almost a year and you continue to covertly abuse your infant,” she said, adding that the pitcher “threw chew spit on our baby.”
This all seems easily provable. If the woman in question had indeed been abused by Clevinger, if she filed a police report or went to the hospital, the abuse would be documented. If that is truly the case, Clevinger would deserve all of the grief he is currently receiving.
However, Major League Baseball was aware of the accusations, and after conducting their own investigation determined the claim is a big nothing-burger. Considering the image MLB wants to portray, if there was even a shred of proof, Clevinger would have been dealt with accordingly. There wasn’t, so Clevinger needs to be left alone and given the benefit of the doubt unless more damning proof comes forward.
Major League Baseball, via Fox News said this:
“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has completed its investigation into allegations against Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger,” MLB said. “The comprehensive investigation included interviews of more than 15 individuals, in addition to Mr. Clevinger and the complainant, as well as a review of available documents, such as thousands of electronic communication records. The Office of the Commissioner has closed this investigation and, barring the receipt of any new information or evidence, the Office of the Commissioner will not be imposing discipline on Mr. Clevinger in connection with these allegations.
“As part of his path forward, Mr. Clevinger has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the collectively bargained policies, and to comply with any of the boards’ recommendations. MLB will continue to make support services available to Mr. Clevinger, his family, and other individuals involved in the investigation.”
Sounds like the end of the story, at least for now. If Clevinger is indeed guilty of such heinous behavior, hopefully this reprieve will help to set him on the right track. Until we find out differently, Kanye and Clevinger will be taking the mound every fifth day for the Pale Hose of Chicago.
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