Rockies Rookie Benched After Caught Flipping Off Braves Fans on Camera

Clear Facts

• Colorado Rockies rookie Cole Carrigg was benched after flipping off Atlanta Braves fans during Saturday’s game at Truist Park
• The incident occurred after Carrigg missed a diving catch that turned into a two-run double, giving the Braves the lead
• Manager Warren Schaeffer called it an embarrassment to the organization and sat Carrigg from the starting lineup for multiple days

Colorado Rockies rookie center fielder Cole Carrigg learned a hard lesson about professionalism after his obscene gesture toward Atlanta Braves fans landed him on the bench. The incident unfolded during Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Truist Park when the rookie’s emotions got the better of him.

With Colorado holding a slim 1-0 lead, Carrigg dove for Michael Harris II’s fly ball but came up empty-handed. The ball fell for a two-run double, flipping the game in Atlanta’s favor and giving the Braves the lead they would not relinquish.

As Braves fans in the stands made their displeasure known, Carrigg responded by flipping the bird in their direction. The gesture was caught on video and immediately drew condemnation from Rockies management.

Manager Warren Schaeffer did not mince words when addressing the incident publicly. He made clear that such behavior would not be tolerated and announced Carrigg would be held out of the starting lineup.

“Cole made a mistake, and he knows that is an embarrassment to the organization and that we don’t stand for that. Listen, everybody makes mistakes. It is just one that he has to learn from. It is just that we will not put up with that here.”

Despite being benched from Sunday’s starting nine, Carrigg did see action as a pinch hitter in the series finale. He struggled at the plate, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout, then stayed in the game playing center field and shortstop.

To his credit, Carrigg took full responsibility for his actions afterward and issued an apology to his teammates and the organization.

“First, I apologize to my teammates and the organization, that’s not how I want to represent us. That’s inexcusable on my part.”

“With that being said, I’m somebody who’s going to play at 110 percent every game and give my all to this team and to the game to try to win ballgames. That was a play that I felt could or could not have won the game, so I’m very passionate about that.”

“Braves fans are pretty passionate themselves. Kudos to them. But that gesture can’t happen.”

The rookie’s response showed maturity in accepting accountability while explaining the competitive fire that drove his poor decision. In an era of carefully crafted public relations statements, Carrigg’s genuine passion for winning stands out, even if it crossed a line in this instance.

The Rockies organization handled the matter swiftly and appropriately, sending a clear message about professional standards while allowing the young player an opportunity to learn and move forward. Carrigg now has a chance to let his performance on the field speak louder than his momentary lapse in judgment.

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