Pitcher Chacon released by Astros after fight with GM
HOUSTON, Texas (AFP) — The Houston Astros released righthander Shawn Chacon on Thursday, one day after he was suspended for physically attacking the club's general manager Ed Wade.
If Chacon clears waivers, he will be released without pay, Wade said during a news conference at Minute Maid Park.
The waiver period extends through Monday. Chacon signed a one-year contract with the Astros in the offseason.
"His defiance of the manager, the pitching coach, me, and especially the organization led us to this decision," Wade said.
Chacon was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday for insubordination to the club. The one-time All-Star recently voiced his displeasure about being removed from the pitching rotation Sunday.
While Chacon, 30, was eating in the lunch room after batting practice, manager Cecil Cooper asked the pitcher to join him and Wade in his office. After refusing Cooper's request, Wade sat down next to him to try to once again convince the righthander to join them.
The exchange became heated and then turned physical.
"So, at that point, I lost my cool and I grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground," Chacon said. "I jumped on top of him because, at that point, I wanted to beat his (butt). Words were exchanged."
Players quickly intervened to separate Wade and Chacon.
