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MLB Issues Statement About Justin Turner Celebrating With Teammates After Testing Positive, Will Launch A ‘Full Investigation’

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In one of the most bizarre and unique moments in sports history, Justin Turner was pulled from Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday night during the eighth inning after the Dodgers were notified that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Turner’s test on Monday came back inconclusive, so the MLB reportedly notified the lab it was using to run both that test again and Tuesday’s test again and it was the Tuesday test that eventually came back positive albeit just before Game 6 of the World Series was almost over.

Despite being pulled from the game and leaving the dugout after being notified of his positive test, Turner didn’t let the virus keep him from celebrating the Dodgers winning the World Series. Turner was spotted on the field kissing his wife in celebration as well as taking team photos with the team in front of the World Series trophy.

The MLB released a statement about the situation on Wednesday and it’s clear they are not happy with what transpired on Tuesday night. According to the statement, MLB security told Turner not to take the field to celebrate, but he refused to follow that suggestion.

“However, following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others. 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.”

“The Commissioner’s Office is beginning a full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association with the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual.”

That’s a rather harshly worded statement from MLB and one that certainly paints the picture that it could hammer Turner in some form or fashion in the coming days.