How many pounds of flesh are needed to satisfy?
The media needs to end its witch hunt against the Astros
Oct 27, 2019, 1:47 pm
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Astros owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow have come under fire for their 'corporate culture' in the aftermath of the firing of Assistant GM Brandon Taubman.
We saw the greatness of social media on full display last week. Media of all baseball backgrounds coming together to support their own against an Astros executive who deserved every bit of the uprising against him. Brandon Taubman tried to intimidate female reporters, lied about it, used his influence as Assistant General Manager to try to cover it up. His actions were ultimately discovered, his lies exposed, and in 72 hours he was terminated.
The Astros released a statement that included the following:
"We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct."
The Astros admitted being wrong in black and white, and made their apology. Apparently that wasn't good enough.
The demand for justice is still unsatisfied. Now the media wants to know who Taubman spoke to, who were the witnesses, who wrote the original statement (paying no attention to the fact that as AGM, Taubman likely had significant influence over what was written). One firing isn't enough. The demand for justice has now become a witch hunt, with the media demanding names and associations, blaming the Astros culture, and demanding more firings.
On Saturday, October 26, I explained how this situation has gone from the best of social media to the worst of social media, the unrealistic standard being applied, and why the baseball media needs to end this crusade against the Astros.
AUDIO: Patrick Creighton: Its Time for Media to End Witch Hunt vs Astros
Patrick Creighton is the host of "Late Hits" on ESPN 97.5 weeknights 7-9p CT, and "Straight Heat" on SB Nation Radio weeknights 12-5a CT. Follow him on Twitter: @PCreighton1
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Apparently the action isn't slowing down as the Rockets have reportedly agreed to a contract extension with guard Fred VanVleet.
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Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the franchise, with a player option in 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. Rockets are declining VanVleet's $44.9 million team option and land the new deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. pic.twitter.com/rwtEUptBQT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2025
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