Some people really just don’t think before they speak – or in this case, tweet. Whether it’s Justin Bieber’s opinion of Anne Frank or Amy’s Baking Company having a complete meltdown after appearing on ‘Kitchen Nightmares,’ some just don’t think about what they share with the world.
Well, now we can add Chicago Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart to that list.
Stewart, a first-round pick back in 2003, has put up disappointing numbers year after year since being called up to the majors in 2007. With a career batting average of only .232, not much was expected of Stewart to begin with. However, after batting only .201 this season and striking out one in every four at bats, the Cubs demoted Stewart to their AAA club in Iowa.
Most players would see this demotion as a sign that they need to start performing, since they aren’t meeting the team’s standards. However, Stewart had different ideas. One day after being relegated to the minorss, Stewart composed a lengthy Twitter rant, which included criticism of Cubs manager Dale Sveum, anger on being sent down to the minors, and hints at the team to release him.
Cardinals fan Sumner Ahearn tweeted the following at the ballplayer:
Which Stewart replied to by tweeting “@believesumner why would I quit? I’m making 2 mill in AAA like u would give that up by quittin”.
So – why have I included a screenshot of the fan’s tweet, but not of Stewart’s? Immediately following Stewart’s reply to the Redbirds fan, Stewart was suspended from the entire Chicago Cubs organization indefinitely. Then (most likely after taking some advice from his agent), Stewart tweeted an apology – right before deleting his account.
The Cubs are working toward reaching a settlement with Stewart that would allow him to become a free agent, but still hang on to some of that $2 mill.
So, where do you stand on this? Stewart’s comments were obviously unprofessional, not to mention unsportsmanlike and embarrassing to the Cubs organization. However, nothing he said was vulgar, and he does have his first amendment rights. Do you think Stewart deserved to be suspended? Comment below to let us know how you feel.