Joe Girardi was suspended for tonightâs game after kicking dirt on umpire Chris Guccione in the ninth inning of Thursday nightâs 2-1 win over Baltimore.
Girardi disputed a foul tip that became strike three on Jason Giambi and drew his first ejection as Yankees manager, twice throwing his hat and kicking it.
After the game, Girardi said he did not think he did anything that warranted a suspension. He said he was shocked to learn he would be sitting out tonightâs game against Seattle.
âI think if you feel thereâs an extenuating circumstance you can appeal it, but because of cameras and photos, the dirt clearly goes on his shoe. But that was not my intent,â Girardi said. âYouâre not allowed to make contact with them, so maybe thatâs considered contact. âI think the culture of life has changed. You know, I think respect has always been a huge thing in our world, but I think people tend to think that other people are disrespecting them more than it really happens, and I think that has become a big part of our society,â he said.
Girardi said he did not consider submitting his own report about the incident to MLB.
âThe report is not going to do me a whole lot of good, in a sense. Itâs not going to keep me from not sitting out tonight,â he said. âYou move on. I think I made my point.â
