Stephen A. Smith Urges for Suspension of Two-Time MVP Bryce Harper Following Heated Confrontation with Commissioner Rob Manfred

Before things could escalate any further, Nick Castellanos would step up and diffuse the tension between the two. As per reports from ESPN, Manfred and Harper would later shake hands after the meeting concluded.

While many have come out in support of Harper on social media, Stephen A. Smith did not seem to like his outburst. On the latest episode of ESPN’s First Take, the 57-year-old claimed that he ‘loves‘ Bryce Harper, but what he did warrants suspension.

I love Bryce Harper, I really, really do. That was out of line. You have no business doing something like that and to be quite honest, that warrants a suspension. I’m not gonna lie to you, you can’t confront the commissioner like that and talk to him like that.

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

Along with Smith, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo also took a shot at Harper. Russo expressed that the Phillies star had ‘disrespected‘ the top boss of MLB with out-of-line behavior. As of now, it is not known whether Harper will be disciplined for his actions.

Former ESPN host blasts Bryce Harper for his dispute with Rob Manfred

Bryce Harper turned several heads this week following his verbal confrontation with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. A former ESPN Radio host would later blast the Philadelphia Phillies star and expressed that he was “embarrassed” for him.

While speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, ex-ESPN host Dan Patrick lashed out at Harper for his alleged remark against Manfred. In his sports radio show, Patrick gave credit to the Commissioner for going into the locker rooms of teams and reaching out to the players, and then blasted Harper.

For Bryce Harper to act that way, Like, who are you? You got your money. You’re good. Maybe you’re fighting for everyone else. I understand that. But this is the commissioner of the game. He’s at least talking to you. Would you have more respect if he didn’t say something to you? If he hid? I was disappointed in Bryce Harper. I was embarrassed for him.

Dan Patrick said on his radio show

As per Nick Castellanos, the situation between Harper and Manfred was pretty intense. He, though, defended his teammate and claimed that this is who he (Harper) was, and it was another regular day for him.

According to reports, Manfred would try to reach to Harper through a phone call the following day. However, the 32-year-old declined to pick up the call.

Bryce Harper refused to get into details regarding his confrontation with MLB boss

Once the news regarding Bryce Harper‘s confrontation with Rob Manfred broke out, many were eager to hear from him. The 8-time MLB All-Star refused to get into details regarding his conflict with the MLB boss.

Before the game against the Chicago White Sox, Harper expressed that explaining what had happened behind the scenes does not help anybody.

I won’t be getting into the details of what happened or how I felt or anything else like that. I don’t think it does any good for anybody for that to happen.

Bryce Harper told the reporters

The salary cap has been one of the biggest talking points among MLB owners. With big market teams splashing the cash to land the top names, several small market teams have been affected by that.

In several meetings, owners had urged the implementation of the salary cap. The MLB is the only league among the top 4 American sports leagues to not feature a salary cap.

With the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the MLB and the MLB Players Association expiring in December 2026, the owners could push for the salary cap in 2027, which could lead to a potential lockout.