ESPN's Scott Van Pelt joined YES Network's Michael Kay and SNY's Gary Cohen, among others, on Monday night in coming to the defense of MASN's Kevin Brown.
"SVP," like Kay and Cohen, also criticized the team that Brown announces for in his television coverage, the Baltimore Orioles.
This is very simple. There are facts and opinion.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) August 8, 2023
Kevin recited facts, and only facts.
If he’s been suspended for that, it’s my opinion that it is so small and ridiculous as not to be believed. https://t.co/uZZTD2vPr7
Brown has been off the air since July 26, missing the team's last 10 games. Baltimore has gone 8-2 during the stretch and starts a massive three-game home series against the Houston Astros (64-49) on Tuesday.
The Orioles' hot streak has them holding their biggest lead of the season atop the AL East (3.0 games ahead of the second-place Tampa Bay Rays) and with the best record in the AL at 70-42. They're just one game behind the Atlanta Braves (70-40) for the top mark in MLB.
Here's what Brown, ironically, posted on social media following Baltimore's series-clinching win over Tampa Bay on July 23.
Five years with this team and I’ve never enjoyed a series as much as this one - and, judging by the sounds from the third-base stands, I don’t think I’m the only one.
— Kevin Brown (@kevinnbrown) July 23, 2023
What a team. See you in Philly. https://t.co/ypDODvQLgZ
Brown hasn't posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, since July 26, but scores of fans have commented on his recent messages and showed their support with the hashtag #FreeKevinBrown.
There's even one account on X with over 3,800 followers (@OriolesFansSay) that has changed its name to "Free Kevin Brown."
One of Van Pelt's longtime co-workers on "SportsCenter" (Kevin Neghandhi), also came to the defense of Brown on social media.
Wow. This is an embarrassing suspension by the Orioles. Kevin Brown was simply stating a fact and underlying how good this team has been without being critical. Suspending him for this draws more attention. What a bad look during a fantastic season. https://t.co/5xqCLLdPfV
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) August 7, 2023
Hopefully, for the sake of Orioles fans and baseball fans in general, Brown will be back on the mic this week. Whenever his return comes, ownership certainly owes an explanation for this debacle that's gained national attention.
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