• Loading stock data...
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Dodgers’ Justin Turner Played by a Different Set of COVID-19 Rules

  • MLB says Turner ’emphatically refused to comply’ with pandemic protocols.
  • Local officials were not consulted immediately following Turner’s positive test.
Justin Turner
Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports

Fans could be ejected from Game 6 of the World Series for violating social distancing safeguards, yet Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was allowed to huddle up next to teammates to celebrate the club’s first title since 1988 despite a positive COVID-19 test.

The disparity in enforcement of pandemic-related measures was a product of how each was designed. 

Local health officials worked in conjunction with police and private security at Globe Life Field to enforce one set of rules for the public. MLB enforced its protocols — hammered out with the cooperation of the MLB Players Association — for players.

Turner flatly ignored MLB’s rules by returning to the field to celebrate, the league said in a statement on Oct. 28. Unlike an obstinate fan, however, Turner wasn’t forced off the field or even made to wear a mask as he potentially exposed teammates, photographers and others.

“Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others,” MLB said in a statement. “While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.”

There were warnings in English and Spanish all over Globe Life Field to remind fans of the protocols. The first several rows near the field were taped off, which was meant to keep fans a safe distance from the players.

As it turns out, blocking off those seats also kept Turner away from the public.

Local public safety officials were not immediately consulted after Turner’s positive test surfaced and he was pulled from the lineup late in Game 6, a person with knowledge of the events told Front Office Sports.  

Per MLB’s protocols, Turner was meant to be kept in isolation at the stadium until he could be transported out.

“The Commissioner’s Office is beginning a full investigation into this matter and will consult with the [Major League Baseball] Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual,” the MLB said in its statement.

An MLBPA spokesperson declined to comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hillary Trochek/Statement Threads Shop

How Custom Stanley Cup Playoffs WAGs Jackets Come Together

The process behind custom postseason jackets is meticulous—and aspirational.
Gracelyn Laudermilch

The House Settlement Has Thrown High School Athletes Into Crisis

FOS spoke to an athlete devastated by House settlement roster cuts.
Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal vs Grand Canyon University Antelopes during the MPSF Men's Volleyball Championship at Galen Center.
exclusive

‘What Just Happened’: Inside the Abrupt End of Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball

Inside Grand Canyon’s shocking decision to cut men’s volleyball.

Featured Today

Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee (l) greets former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the game between the LA Clippers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

‘Friends of the Garden’: Inside the NBA’s Most Exclusive Celebrity Suite

“Among the titans of industry, deals are done at Suite 200.”
exclusive
May 9, 2025

Shams Charania on Draft, Breaking Dončić Trade, ‘Whirlwind’ ESPN Tenure

Charania will work on his first NBA draft lottery for ESPN on Monday.
Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.
May 7, 2025

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
May 6, 2025

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
May 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Could Deliver NBA’s Next Ratings Surge to Lottery Winner

Flagg could have a similar effect as Victor Wembanyama.
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
May 12, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘Open-Minded’ to Leaving Bucks: Report

The Bucks star has spent his entire 12-year career with the organization.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In the latest Portfolio Players—our series spotlighting athlete and executive investors—Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, owner of Gotham FC & advisor to the New York Giants, breaks down how sports, brand, and capital are reshaping fandom and the business of women’s sports.
May 10, 2025

Derek Carr Retires With Nearly $200M in NFL Earnings

The 11-year NFL quarterback stunned social media with his unexpected retirement.
May 9, 2025

Paige Bueckers Dispels Doubts, Praises Dallas Wings Organization

The Wings selected Bueckers with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
May 8, 2025

Stars’ $96M Rantanen Bet Paying Off Big at Other Teams’ Expense

Rantanen was traded by Colorado after not agreeing to a contract extension.
Sue Bird
May 7, 2025

USA Basketball Moving Women to Men’s Model Under Sue Bird

The move marks a major change for USA Basketball’s women’s operations.