Patriots

As the sports world reacted Tuesday to the bizarre moment of interference from two Yankees fans during Game 4 of the World Series, Rob Gronkowski saw it on a unique level.

This was because Gronkowski recognized one among the fans (who were eventually thrown out of Yankee Stadium after attempting to grab a baseball from Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts' glove).

Speaking during an appearance on Wednesday at “Up & AdamsThe day after New York's 11-4 victory, which – at least for now – avoided defeat in the World Series, Gronkowski shocked host Kay Adams with his admission.

“This is actually the first time I've seen this live, and here's a fun little fact: that guy grabbing Mookie Betts' glove was my friend in college,” Gronkowski revealed.

Gronkowski noted that the fan, Austin Capobianco, attended the University of Arizona at the same time as him and explained that Capobianco was a member of the college club's ice hockey team.

Describing the club's hockey team as “absolute lunatics” and calling Capobianco a “fun guy,” Gronkowski tried to put his former classmate's behavior into context Tuesday.

“For him to do that represents him very well. I mean, he gives everything for his teams,” Gronkowski explained. “He’s all in for the Yankees. I remember he talked about the Yankees all the time and how much he loved them. That describes him perfectly: he does everything he can to help his team.

“He’s a beauty,” Gronkowski added, “and I just want to congratulate him for shining when your moment came.”

Adams pushed back and continued to push Gronkowski when he felt that what Capobianco and fellow Yankee fan John Peter Betts had done was acceptable.

“I’m not saying it’s OK,” Gronkowski clarified, later adding that he found the interference to be “definitely unacceptable in the world of sports.”

“But when you’re that big of a fan,” Gronkowski admitted, “then that’s what fans do.”

Capobianco and Peter were sent off following the incident and is not going to be allowed to return for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior exhibited last night,” the Yankees said in an announcement. in line with The New York Post. “These fans will in no way be permitted to attend tonight’s game.”

“Well, A for effort.”

This play was called fan intervention, during which a Yankee fan tried to tug the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd

– FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024

Red Sox

In the primary inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Twins, Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't hold back as he told the umpires exactly what he considered a call.

With one out, Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta threw to second base to field Byron Buxton. Second baseman Vaughn Grissom attempted to quickly tag the ball and fell to the infield ground along with his right knee.

Second base umpire Dan Merzel, who had been watching the sport closely, initially declared Buxton protected.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli argued that Grissom had pressed his knee to the bottom. The umpires deliberated and ruled that Buxton should move to 3rd base because of interference.

I've never seen Alex Cora so offended. He was ejected but shall be back for the second game. Standing ovation from the fans behind the Sox dugout as he left the sphere.

— Tom Caron (@TomCaron) 22 September 2024

Cora got here out of the dugout and went straight to umpire Alan Porter to make his case. Porter was not convinced. Then Cora's anger escalated as he challenged Merzel, sprinting to second base, pointing at his eyes and gesturing toward the bottom.

“He hasn't been this good all year,” said NESN spokesman Dave O'Brien.

Announcer Lou Merloni believed Cora was arguing that the second base umpire mustn’t have allowed others to influence his decision. Once the choice was made, it should stand.

Cora charged at Merzel, so Porter held him back. It's protected to say he was thrown out.

Perhaps his message got across, since the Red Sox built up a convincing 6-0 lead in three innings.

This was his third ejection of the season. He is eligible to referee Game 2 on Sunday.