Sosa, Apparently, Lied
Sammy Sosa told the Sun-Times‘ Mike Kiley on Sunday that he left Sunday’s game in the 7th inning. The Sun-Times reports today, however, “that Wrigley Field security cameras showed his car departing the players’ lot at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, just 15 minutes after the season finale against the Atlanta Braves began.” Team sources said the “club would take disciplinary action against Sosa in the near future.”
Whenever Sosa left, it was certainly before the end of the game. He should—and must—be disciplined.
There may be more: Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti reports (speculates?—he doesn’t attribute his report to any source) that “[t]aking in the near-consensus opinion among local fans and media that Sosa finally has worn out his welcome, the Tribsters appear eager to trade the future Hall of Famer and the $17 million owed him for 2005:”
They want Sosa out of here, having gone to extreme lengths to embarrass him. An employer doesn’t expose a highly paid employee as a liar and jaker, then welcome him back to work with open arms just a few months later. This is called a smear campaign. There is no chance the Cubs and Sosa can have a good relationship anymore . . . .
I can’t believe it has come to this. The greatest player in team history (despite anyone’s personal feelings about the guy, it’s true) leaving on such a bitter note.
I want Sosa disciplined. And I have no idea what I want with regard to Sosa being in a Cubs uniform next year. I used to think I’d always want him back, overpaid or not (the Trib Co. can afford it). This latest episode, though, where he walked out on his team and then lied about it is quite despicable. Show some contrition, Sammy. I’ll cheer for you again. If not, thanks, and goodbye.