After fans and journalists were outraged last night that former Tigers ace Justin Verlander barred the Detroit Free Press's Anthony Fenech from talking to him following the Astros' loss to the Tigers, fans clamored to criticize the multi-millionaire who appeared to have thin skin.
And then Verlander unleashed his side of the story.
He says he requested a different reporter before the game because of beat writer's Fenech's 'unethical behavior.' When the Freep wouldn't take his calls, he went a different route.
"I am a huge fan of yours, but you don't get to pick who they send to cover the games any more than the Freep gets to pick who takes the mound for the Astros. Give an example of the unethical behavior. You should know better than to act this childish," one fan tweeted.
"You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Just keep being JV," one fan tweeted in support.
Others were not so supportive. "Question from the back of the class. How was Freep supposed to send someone else on such short notice when the game was in Houston, not Detroit? Follow up question. Did you try to contact them personally or is a rep telling you they tried for you?"
The Astros blocked Free Press writer Anthony Fenech at Verlander’s request, according to Gene Dias, Astros vice president of communications. Dias said Verlander was “adamant” that he would not speak to any credentialed media while Fenech was present.
The game ended at 9:22 p.m.; At 9:35 p.m., the Astros opened their clubhouse to credentialed media in coordination with MLB rules. As other media members entered the clubhouse, Fenech, who has a BBWAA-issued credential, was blocked by three Astros security officials.
Verlander tweeted that he tried to "avoid the situation altogether."