New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon called Newsday reporter Tim Healey "to apologize on behalf of the organization" for Sunday's clubhouse confrontation between manager Mickey Callaway, pitcher Jason Vargas and Healey.
"The Mets sincerely regret the incident that took place with one of our beat writers following today's game in the clubhouse," the team said in a statement. "We do not condone this type of behavior from any employee. The organization has reached out and apologized to this reporter and will have further discussions internally with all involved parties."
Callaway did not directly address the matter at a press conference prior to Monday's game, but general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the team issued fines to Callaway and Vargas. Van Wagenen called the altercation "regrettable on many levels" and "disappointing."
"My confidence remains the same in Mickey's ability to do his job," Van Wagenen said before the Mets opened a series with the Philadelphia Phillies.
On Sunday after the Mets coughed up a late lead in a loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Healey said "see you tomorrow" to Callaway as he walked past him. Intended or not, Healey's comment enraged Callaway.
"I thought he was leaving for the day, so I said, 'See you tomorrow, Mickey,'" Healey said. "And then he said, 'Don't be a smartass.'
"I tried to tell him, I didn't mean anything by it," Healey added. "I was just saying, 'I'll see you tomorrow.' And then he said, 'Get this guy out of here,' and that got the attention of Jason Vargas."
Healey said he tried to tell Callaway he didn't mean anything by the comment. Callaway didn't take it that way.
Callaway responded by calling Healey a "m----f----." Callaway walked away briefly, but came back cursing at Healey and telling him to leave the clubhouse.
Vargas stared down Healey and screamed, "I'll knock you the f-- out, bro." Starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard helped to restrain Vargas.
--Field Level Media
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