Braves pitching coach accused of hurling gay slurs

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell has apologized for directing allegedly anti-gay slurs towards fans Saturday at San Francisco's AT&T Park.

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Damian Dovarganes, AP Justin Quinn, center, with his wife Jessica, right, and their twin daughters: Kylynn, far left, and Taylor, far right, take questions during a news conference organized by Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred, standing left, on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, in Los Angeles. Quinn claims Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell made homophobic comments and crude sexual gestures toward fans and threatened him with a bat before the Braves played the San Francisco Giants on April 23.

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Rich Addicks, AJC File Roger McDowell was suspended Sunday for two weeks without pay for his actions towards fans in San Francisco in April.

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A California family represented by celebrity attorney Gloria Allred demanded the apology at a press conference held Wednesday in Los Angeles.

“I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday. I apologize to everyone for my actions," McDowell said in a press release after Wednesday afternoon's Braves-Padres game.

The Braves also issued a statement expressing concern over "the behavior described by a witness today.  This in no way represents the Braves organization and the conduct we expect of our employees.  We will withhold further comments until we finish gathering information.”

McDowell is accused of yelling "Are you a homo couple or a threesome?" to fans sitting in the left-field bleachers. He's also accused of simulating a sex act with a bat.

Giants fan Justin Quinn, attending the game with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters, said he asked McDowell to watch his language in the presence of children.

According to Allred, the former New York Mets pitcher told Quinn, "Kids don't [expletive] belong at the baseball park."

McDowell, 50, then "picked up his bat and started walking in a threatening manner towards Quinn," Allred said.

Quinn, 33, said McDowell asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?" The Fresno, Calif., resident said he managed to diffuse further hostilities but was encouraged by other fans who had witnessed the scene to file a report.

Quinn said he reported the incident to the Giants and San Francisco police.

In a statement, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig called the allegations "very troubling. The Atlanta Braves have assured my office that they will immediately investigate the allegations, and report the results of the investigation to me. After I have all the facts, I will make a determination of how to proceed," Selig said.

Earlier this month, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for calling a referee an anti-gay slur during a Lakers game. Allred said she sees that incident as serving as a template for what should happen to McDowell.

The high-profile attorney sent letters to Selig and the Braves demanding a fine, suspension and an apology from McDowell. Allred said McDowell should be required to undergo sensitivity training.

"There has to be accountability," she told the AJC. Quinn hinted that he may pursue legal action against McDowell.

McDowell was hired by the Braves in 2005 to replace longtime pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Known as a practical jokester while a player, he appeared on a memorable episode of the hit TV series "Seinfeld."