September 15^th, 2012
via FloridaFeatherheads.com

Today, the team announced that team captain Tsumemasa Morimoto would be suspended for five games.  The decision was finalized after a closed-door meeting between GM Kevin Lewis  and manager Jaime Sánchez.

The suspension stems from the aftermath of an altercation that occurred on an unaired taping of the Suicide Squeeze show.  The show focused on Florida’s chances of being able to repeat as champions.  Morimoto was appearing as a guest.

From the onset, Morimoto was greeted with harsh criticism from Suicide Squeeze co-host Nelly.  Nelly blasted the Featherheads for their poor play, citing that the team’s mediocre 21-21 record since the trading deadline as a sign of underachievement.  Morimoto handled the criticism professionally and calmly offered insight on the pulse of the team.

Despite Morimoto’s calm rebuttal, Nelly continued to escalate his remarks.  The volatile co-host shifted his criticism away from the team and directed it towards Morimoto’s individual play.  He slammed Morimoto for his poor recent offensive numbers and defense around the bag.  The 2011 Royal Raker is batting .200 in September and his .250 season average is his lowest since sophomore year.  A two-time All-Leather winner, Morimoto has committed seven errors this season, which is more than he has committed in the previous two seasons combined.

Being a professional ballplayer, Morimoto handled the criticism well.  Perhaps viewing it as a challenge, Nelly took it to another level.  He proceeded to make direct personal attacks on Morimoto.  The words cut deep into Morimoto’s past roots.  In a nutshell, Morimoto was told to trade in his bat and glove for an apron.  This was a direct shot at Morimoto’s ties with his father figure, “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto.

Showing restraint, the Florida slugger remained cordial and even offered a chuckle.  That chuckle quickly would change though after Nelly’ followed that up with more unprofessional comments.  These comments elicited an uncharacteristic action out of Morimoto.  The normally mild-mannered Florida leader reached over to Nelly and wrestled him to the floor.  Suicide Squeeze staff members had to separate the two and the taping was cut short.

Morimoto was unable to be reached for comment after the incident.  We were able to reach GM Lewis, however.  Lewis gave a brief statement on behalf of the team.

We pride ourselves on being a first-class organization.  We hold ourselves to the highest of standards and deem everyone accountable in upholding these standards.  Yesterday’s incident was an unfortunate one, and one  which we take very seriously.  I have complete confidence that Tsumemasa Morimoto will learn from this and resume being a positive representative of our organization.  Tsumemasa is the face of our franchise and we will stand behind this fact.  He has always been a model citizen in our community and we believe he will continue to remain so. 

The five-game suspension serves as a statement by the franchise, but what kind of statement will it end up being?  Will it serve as an example of the team’s commitment to professionalism and class?  Undoubtedly, some observers may view this as a minor slap on the wrist.  Cynics will point this out as a PR move.  Others, on the other hand, will defend Morimoto, stating that any normal human being would have reacted the same way.  More importantly, though… how will this affect the clubhouse?  Will Morimoto’s teammates view this as their leader cracking under the pressure, or will they view this as inspiration – a man defending his team and individual worth?