Los Angeles Dodgers became the 2020 World Series Champions Game 6 Tuesday night. However, some of the biggest headlines from the series finale come not from in-game highlights but postgame. The MLB received notice that Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19 and was taken out of the game in the eighth inning. Despite the positive test and regulations put in place by MLB stating that, “Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him,” Turner made it onto the field to celebrate with his team.
Footage following Turner showed him coming in contact with many of the Dodgers staff despite the positive test. Not only does he hug some of the team members, but he also takes off his mask for the photo-op. Worst still is Turner keeping his mask off and kissing his spouse for another photo-op.
This begs the question, how did the guy with Covid stay in longer than the one throwing a shut out? Jokes aside, sports fans and the world alike are wondering how this could have been allowed to happen. Namely, how much responsibility falls on the MLB, Dodger organization, and Turner himself. Ken Rosenthal reported in the game that Turner was asked not to go on the field by the MLB, but Dodgers alongside Turner himself insisted he go out on the field. Other teammates also stood by the decision, such as Mookie Betts saying, “Forget all that, he’s part of the team. We aren’t excluding him from anything”.
Many argue about the decision by Turner and the Dodgers, saying that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. That same argument, however, is also a case against Turner having gone on the field. While athletes may be fine contracting the disease, the issue lies with those who are more prone to serious health complications that come in contact with Covid. Some may argue Turner was already on the field playing, so what’s the harm? The team would most likely already have contracted the disease anyway. The issue becomes ten-fold when considering the postgame presence of family and press that were not around the team during the game. Not to mention the fact that players will be going home to celebrate with friends and family, potentially spreading the disease even further.
Thankfully, MLB added on Wednesday that players would be going through additional tests before their travel home. Both the Dodgers and Rays would have to go through necessary tests before being cleared to go home. Still though, should the MLB have been more harsh on the ruling they made to keep Justin Turner isolated? How much responsibility falls on each party to have eliminated this concern? It would appear that baseball really is America’s pastime as it showed the nation’s decision to live and deal with Covid rather than try to get rid of it altogether.
