Gibbons Vs. Lilly: The Fans React

Here are just a few of the answers that had you acting as umpires.

“I truly feel that Lilly was in the wrong. Gibbons saw that he was struggling, and he was trying to do what he could to stop the bleeding. Lilly, though he felt he could have pitched more, should have realized that he was struggling and accepted the fact that he needed to be pulled. Gibbons did not react perfectly either, however, had Lilly just handed over the ball, nothing would have happened.”
Dan Fiorino

“There should be no discussion at all. Get rid of both of them and let’s start fresh. As a fan, I was disgusted with the reaction of both player and manager. Say goodbye to both and let’s go Blue Jays once again.”
Mike Venneri

Jing L., a loyal and angry Jays Fan

“Very clearly, Ted Lilly was wrong.  No justification, no excuses for his actions. Lilly’s stubbornness and lack of respect for authority led to this highly embarrassing incident that shames the Toronto Blue Jays and the whole City of Toronto as well.

“It sends a very ugly signal to our youth. Some kids might think it’s cool to fight your coach and in the end have your coach apologizing to media afterwards.  It was a shame my kids, who had been following the Blue Jays every game, saw it on TV.”

Neil Huab, former school Athletic Director  

“The whole situation was disgusting.  It’s obvious that Toronto has a good team, but pitching and Gibbons have been a disappointment.  Maybe he is in over his head and doesn’t know how to deal with the players.  He doesn’t seem to be a leader or a positive influence on the players.  When is this circus going to stop?

“We deserve better, so do the players.  How do you expect to have [Vernon] Wells back when this sort of thing is allowed to happen?  Can you imagine how a business would be run if the President of the company challenged his employees to a fight every time there was an issue??”
Stan Meksula

“I am utterly disgusted and left at a loss for words, after what I am witnessing happen to this Blue Jays season! Sweeping changes need to be made that go way beyond hiring big hitters or top-rank pitching. The Jays need a new face next year, that of a competitive and highly composed ball club, that equates winning with sportsmanship – not male bravado. No wonder there is so much talk of our favourite Jays players not wanting to return.

“J.P. Ricciardi is on the line right now. Gibbons has to go. He was good as an interim-type of manager, but his time has expired. They should have got someone classy this season, to match all the talent they had out on the field. I think it’s time for the ownership and management to be a little bit more forthcoming about this failed Jays season… the fans were behind you 200% and you have completely let us down.”
Colin Shillingford

  “I think that the problem is deeper than Gibbons. The issue is the General Manager J.P. Riccardi. I think he is the one that needs to leave. Yeah, his pick ups were great in the off season but they were no brainers. J.P. has pretty much ruined the Jays. Gibbons was in the wrong following Lilly down to the dugout and I also believe that Gibbons needs to go. Why not bring in somebody like Kelly Gruber to coach?”

Chris Parker

“The game was a disgrace. Ted Lilly is a bum. I feel sorry for Gibbons who is a fierce competitor and in charge of a bunch of overpaid babies with no desire to win. Is that his fault?”
Shawn Lanigan

“I think he’s a good manager. He gets along well with his players. So there was a dust-up. I mean it happened before, it will happen again.”
Dennis Whitehead

And finally, this word from a fan who found it all incredibly entertaining.

“This is the best reality TV. After the fight I…bought two of the best seats right by the dugout. Then I can watch them fight right in front of everyone.”
Ted Blustein