Two minor-leaguers with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization traded fists during an on-field fight this week – a Mike Tyson-esque affair that reportedly ended when one player, Miguel Olivo, bit the ear of his teammate, Alex Guerrero.
“It’s something we don’t condone,” said Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti, the New York Post reported, “and it’s something we don’t think is constructive. Obviously, people can have disagreements. That happens many times in many places. But when it gets behind that level, I think it’s over the line.”
The ear-biting was reported by agent Scott Boras to the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Colletti, however, said neither Mr. Olivo nor Mr. Guerrero suffered injuries that would prevent further playing.
Nonetheless, the office is “aware of the altercation and is conducting an investigation into the matter,” he said, the New York Post reported.
Mr. Guerroro is in an infielder; Mr. Olivo, a catcher, has shown a tendency for on-field fighting on prior occasions. In 2007, he charged a player during a Marlins-Mets matchup, the New York Post reported.
The Guerrero-Olivo fight took place during the eighth inning of Albuquerque’s loss to Salt Lake and resulted in a brief delay of play, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
Perhaps the most famous sport-related ear bite occurred during the 1997 boxing contest of Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson in Las Vegas.
A struggling Mr. Tyson entered the third round without his mouthpiece, was ordered back to his corner to get it, and did — but shortly after, in the throes of trading punches, removed it and bit Mr. Holyfield on the ear.
Adding to the drama: Mr. Tyson actually spit out the piece of cartilage onto the ring floor.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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