The Agony of Victory: Angels Celebration Causing Backlash

ABC's Stu Schutzman reports from New York: Corks popped and beer flowed as players whooped it up in the LA Angels locker room the other night after they clinched the American League western division title. It appeared to be no different than countless other traditional team celebrations after significant wins. But to many fans across the country, this one was different and has sparked a heated debate in the blogosphere over the players’ use of alcohol.   “Inappropriate” said one blogger. Shame on the players” said another. The vitriol is related to the death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart who was killed last April, apparently by a drunk driver.  It happened shortly after Adenhart, who was only 22, had won his first Major Leaguer game.  His teammates dedicated the season to him and vowed to keep his memory alive; his locker was left in tact, his jersey hung in the dugout during every game.  “We played the whole year with heavy hearts,” said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. After the big win, they say they were only trying to make him part of the victory celebration by pouring beer and champagne over his jersey. “We just wanted to let him know he’s with us” said one player. But many fans saw the use of alcohol as an affront to Adenhart’s family. “Insensitive” said one (so far, Adenhart’s family has not commented). “The team should be campaigning against drunk driving,” suggested another which was also endorsed by the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Others have called on the Angels to impose a one game ban on the sale of beer in Adenhart’s memory. Campaigning against drunk driving is commendable but juxtapose that with the alcohol infused celebration; should the two necessarily be mutually exclusive?  Isn’t there still a distinction between alcohol use and alcohol abuse? And many bloggers argue this was nothing more than a sincere attempt to honor a fallen friend. The team spokesman says he can understand how some would “cringe” but “Nick would have been part of this celebration and there was every reason to make him part of the celebration.” “This is PC gone wild,” said one blogger. “Let the PC police find other battles to get sweaty over,” said another.  The NFL already bans alcohol from post game celebrations. Major League Baseball is considering it.  The LA Angels, for their part, seem genuinely taken aback by this whole commotion…. after a very bittersweet victory.