Orlando Arcia started it.
Bryce Harper responded with two homers, two staredowns and two throat-slashing gestures.
And the Braves’ announce team wouldn’t have any of it.
Braves announcers Joe Simpson and Ben Ingram criticized Harper for his throat-slashing celebration and also took umbrage with the outrage surrounding Arcia’s “Attaboy, Harper” comment following Game 2 that fueled Harper during his two-homer night Wednesday.
“(Harper) again, gave the throat-slashing sign, which given today’s climate around the world I’m not sure that’s quite what anybody wants to see,” Simpson said.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s start at the beginning.
Game 2 of the NLDS ended with Harper being doubled up at first base in the Braves’ 5-4 win, and Arcia, a shortstop, said “ha ha, attaboy Harper,” in the clubhouse afterward, per Fox Sports.
Those comments made their way to the Phillies clubhouse and Harper, like Michael Jordan would, took those remarks personally.
So when he hit a three-run homer off Bryce Elder in the third inning Wednesday that put Philadelphia ahead, 4-1, he made sure to glare at Arcia while rounding second base.
Harper did the throat-slashing celebration moments before touching the plate.
“When he crossed the plate, I guess the game is over,” Simpson said, “because Harper just gave the throat-slashing sign as he stepped on home plate.”
When Harper did the same staredown and celebration routine after his solo homer off Brad Hand in the fifth gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead, the Braves’ announcers let out their frustrations.
It’s likely the remarks about the throat-slashing gesture were in reference to the deadly conflict involving Israel.
“There was a story attributed to some writer who said he overheard Arcia say something in the locker room that was disparaging about Harper after Game 2. There’s no proof it was even said,” Simpson said. “Even the writer said he wasn’t sure that’s what he said, but Harper’s taken it to heart and he’s been glaring at Arcia as he rounds second on both homers.”
Ingram then tried to downplay Arcia’s remarks.
“That was something that was turned into something that it was never meant to be. Even if that were the case, OK, they enjoyed the fact they doubled up Harper to end the ball game. Heaven forbid they show joy in doing that,” Ingram said. “But when you’re a competitor, you’re looking for anything to drive you and that’s what Harper has done.”
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