J.C. Romero Accused of Assaulting Rays Fan After Steroid Remark

TORONTO (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies have acknowledged that one of their players was involved in a confrontation with a fan following Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Phillies did not identify the player in Saturday's statement. The Rays also confirmed the incident but did not release details.

The St. Petersburg Times reported on its Web site Saturday that Phillies reliever J.C. Romero grabbed and shoved a male fan of the Rays after the man made comments about steroids. Romero was recently reinstated following a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy.

According to the Times, St. Petersburg Police dispatcher confirmed that a report for a battery call was taken at the stadium at about 11 p.m. Thursday.

The paper reports that Robert Eaton, a 25-year-old father of two, was attempting to get autographs from the Phillies players, to no avail. Eaton then called out to Romero, "How about you get me some juice?"

After a short verbal back-and-forth, Eaton claims that "He reared back and kinda grazed my chin and grabbed me by the neck and threw me back," Eaton said. "I was in shock."

"I don't feel what I said was wrong," Eaton said. "I feel if you cheat the game you're going to hear it from people. He brought that on himself. I just can't believe that a professional athlete would cross the line."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

6-27-2009 @ 5:21PM

billy said...

most pro sports are ruined.nfl and mlb are a steroid infested joke.
as is ncaa div.1 football.i lost interest years ago.

6-27-2009 @ 5:22PM

Rusty said...

I would have blasted that punk low life fan right in the mouth. What a lousy father.

6-28-2009 @ 11:48PM

nankerphelge6 said...

Absolutely right.

6-29-2009 @ 12:45AM

amkdwarren said...

Romero's reaction tells the story. He can't take the punishment. Not only from the game, but people who support the game. If you love the game you wouldn't do anything to discrace it.

6-27-2009 @ 5:48PM

palmhearts said...

Looks as if Philly Fan/Steroid apologists have already weighed in here. Since when is it illegal to verbalize the truth in public? Obviously, the only low-life involved is this punk a** athlete who took a swing at a fan who was simply seeking an autograph for he and his son. Looks as if this jerk is still juicing, and should definitely be sued.

6-28-2009 @ 2:22PM

Biggs said...

What proof do you or that stupid ass fan have that this athlete was taking steriods. He just got upset because he did not get the autograph and lashed out. WHY WOULD ANYBODY WHO THINKS A ATHLETE CHEATED BY TAKING STEROIDS WOULD WANT THEIR AUTOGRAPH.

HE GOT WHAT HE DESERVE

7-03-2009 @ 5:38AM

lawrencehagen said...

pro athletes should NOT have to take abuse from fans about steroid issues, Eaton is a liar

6-27-2009 @ 6:06PM

tianalovesit said...

ROMERO is the Punk!!! Had to cheat to win and is such a loser that he has never had the training an elite athlete gets on how to avoid confrontation when heckled!!! Punk ass
Furthermore game 5 of the world series should be overturned!!!!! Rays are the shit!!!

7-02-2009 @ 10:56PM

frankjl66 said...

tina
Overturning game 5 of the world series, for what reason? Also just because fans pay for tickets does not give them the right to heckle players as they wish.

6-27-2009 @ 6:11PM

Chris said...

Mess with the bull, get the horns. Simple!

6-27-2009 @ 7:45PM

Steve said...

Sounds like this fan got more that he bargained for when he made remarks to a player he thought were clever. The player is at fault also he should have expected these kind of remarks when you return from a drug suspension. I was once a big professional sports fan bur I don't watch them much anymore to many spoiled millionars for me and no integrity left in the ownership. It's all about money on both sides. Major college sports are nearly as bad fixed grades contract jumping coaches crooked agents. I'll stay with High School sports from here on out where the athletes play with pride and honor.

6-27-2009 @ 7:57PM

derek de pinho said...

when you pay for your ticket,you have the right to say whatever you want.it also means that if the person actually hears it ,they have a right to stomp your ass.be careful what you say to who.

6-27-2009 @ 8:06PM

mikey said...

I hope Eaton didn't have his kids with him to set a bad example of showing them the obnoxious weenie he is. He shoots off his mouth and then cries when confronted. Being a fan and paying to see a game DOES NOT give you the right to abuse the players, especially off the field when the game is over. What a douchebag.

6-27-2009 @ 8:52PM

bunohun said...

Stupid fans! They think they can say anything to anyone? He should have punched his lights out.

6-27-2009 @ 9:00PM

missimin said...

Romero's banned substance was an accident and he dearly paid for it. That fan deserved what he got.

6-27-2009 @ 9:11PM

RPP said...

Eaton a sissy!! DONT LET UR MOUTH WRITE A CHECK UR BUTT CANT CASH!!!...GREAT FATHER TOO..HE SHOLDVE HAD HIS NOSE BROKE....GO CRY NOW AFTER U STARTED THE SH*T...WHAT A CRYBABY

6-27-2009 @ 9:20PM

TU-MOM said...

FAN OPENED MOUTH....OOPS...INSERTED FIST....WHY IS THAT "FANS" IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT TO CAL THEM....FEEL EXEMPT FROM THE NATURAL LAW. THAT PLAYER SERVED HIS SUSPENSION, LOSS OF PAY ETC.....LET THE ONE WHO NO GLASS HOUSE THROW THE STONES. ROMERO WAS A MAN PRIOR TO BECOMING A PLAYER. THE FAN TOOK IT TO THE MAN LEVEL.

6-28-2009 @ 2:57AM

mowerpauer said...

This man speaks lofty words.

6-27-2009 @ 9:26PM

cterry9478 said...

Tigers fan here. Eaton is nothing more than a big mouth punk who deserved what he got. Romero served his punishment so let`s move on. I love to try to catch baseballs during batting practice or try to obtain autographs before the game. If a player can`t sign, fans must learn that it`s nothing personal. Players must manage time with media requests, pre-game meetings, batting-fielding practice, changing uniforms for the game, etc. I tried to get Rocco Baldelli`s sig when the Red Sox were in Detroit recently but to no avail. No big deal - wasn`t meant to happen and he had other commitments. Maybe Eaton`s son(s) will take lesson here: run your mouth to the wrong guy, this is what happens. His mouth wrote a check his ass couldn`t cash.