Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell was placed on administrative leave today over allegations by attorney Gloria Allred and a father of two girls earlier this week that McDowell had made anti-gay slurs and used vulgar gestures simulating anal sex.
TMZ reported that in addition to asking a group of male fans "Are you a homo couple or a threesome?," McDowell allegedly made anti-gay gestures:
Mega-attorney Gloria Allred announced the allegations moments ago in a news conference — representing a family of four (including two 9-year-old girls) who claim they watched McDowell make the homophobic remark and then use a baseball bat to simulate gay sex.
According to Allred, the family claims they also witnessed McDowell tell the group of male fans, "Are you three giving it to each other in the a**?"
The former major league reliever apologized in a statement, but the team barred him from the bench heading into a three-game series against St. Louis.
The Braves' minor league pitching coordinator, Dave Wallace, will take over for McDowell during the investigation. Major League Baseball has said it's waiting to hear from the team before deciding on possible penalties.
Atlanta general manager Frank Wren planned to address the media before tonight's game.
Said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios in a statement responding to today's announcement from the Braves: “It remains to be seen whether the Atlanta Braves will take real disciplinary action and send a clear message that there is no place for anti-gay remarks or violent threats in baseball. The Braves and Major League Baseball should follow the NBA and WWE by speaking out in support of gay and lesbian baseball fans and players around the country, and by taking steps to make the sport a safe place for everyone.”
