Commentary: MLB Should Fine & Suspend Jazz Chisholm For Splashing Sideline Reporter

Miami's Jazz Chisholm, Jr. celebrates after dumping a tub of water on sideline reporter, Jessica Blaylock.

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.

Commentary
Is MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on vacation or something? Because the league’s chief has yet to take action against Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. for purposely dumping a large Gatorade tub of water on Bally Sports sideline reporter Jessica Blaylock at the end of Tuesday night’s (June 18, 2024) game between the Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. The action was uncalled for, and despite Blaylock being a good sport about it, deserves a significant fine and at least one game suspension. And not just one of those wrist-tap fines. A fine large enough that Chisholm, who makes $2.6 million a year, will feel it and hopefully get the message along with other players getting the message.

Blaylock was simply doing her job, interviewing the Marlins’ Vidal Brujan after his 10th inning single gave his team a 9-8 victory. And let’s face it. It’s not an easy job being an attractive young woman around a group of sometimes immature young baseball players. Respect is not easily attained here. But what Chisholm, Jr. did was more than immaturity. It was assault. He took the water tub and dumped it on Blaylock while her back was to him, leaving her soaked from head to toe. I’m not saying the water was intended to hurt her, but I am saying it was intended to humiliate her.

Dang Jazz, you didn’t have to do @JessBlaylock like that! pic.twitter.com/apIXhQS7zL

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) June 19, 2024

We’ve seen young female reporters be assaulted and harassed by anonymous morons in other settings, such as stand-up reports on the local news. But for a Major League Baseball player to do it in front of the cameras is shameful and shocking. And it’s even more shameful and shocking that, apparently, it has no consequences. And that’s why Manfred needs to act to send a message to the league that it is wrong. Personally, I would fine Chisholm at least $100,000 and suspend him for one game. But I seriously doubt that the commissioner will agree.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.