Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Justin Turner Issues Statement Regarding World Series Actions

It’s the headline many have been waiting for. Since the Dodgers won the World Series last week, much of the focus from the outside has been on the post-game actions of Justin Turner in the wake of his positive COVID test. In the days that followed, MLB issued a statement condemning Turner and assigning complete blame on the infielder.

Now, Turner has issued an official statement on the moment. He was understandably remorseful but came with a fair and reasonable explanation.



Justin Turner Statement

In winning the World Series last Tuesday, my teammates and I delivered a championship to the city of Los Angeles after a long 32-year wait. We realized the dream of every kid who is a fan of our great game. However, it did not go the way I had dreamed or any of us would have hoped. As my teammates and I were on the verge of clinching the title, I was blindsided with the news that I had tested positive for COVID-19. I was promptly taken out of the game and my wife Kourtney was notified and immediately removed from the wives/family section at the stadium. We watched the final two innings of the game together in a doctor’s office in the back of the clubhouse.

Watching the conclusion of the game we experienced every emotion you could imagine – we were thrilled for my teammates, the Dodgers organization and all of its fans, and the city of Los Angeles, but also sad and confused with so many questions about what we were just told. It was a surreal moment. We sat and watched the celebration, the trophy presentation, and Seags win the much-deserved MVP trophy on a TV in the doctor’s office. I tweeted to assure everyone I was okay and to tell my teammates how proud of them I was that night.

I will not make excuses for my conduct, but I will describe my state of mind. Winning the World Series was my lifelong dream and the culmination of everything I worked for in my career. After waiting in the isolation room while my teammates celebrated on the field, I asked whether I was permitted to return to the field with my wife in order to take a photograph.  I assumed by that point that few people were left on the field. I was under the impression that team officials did not object to my returning to the field for a picture with my wife. However, what was intended to be a photo capturing the two of us turned into several greetings and photos where I briefly and unwisely removed my mask. In hindsight, I should have waited until the field was clear of others to take that photo with my wife. I sincerely apologize to everyone on the field for failing to appreciate the risks of returning to the field. I have spoken with almost every teammate, coach, and staff member, and my intentions were never to make anyone uncomfortable or put anyone at further risk. 

Kourt and I hold ourselves to the absolute highest standards. We worked diligently to comply with all of MLB’s protocols throughout the season. We were heavily involved in the planning of player/family safety to ensure the possibility of a postseason and World Series. We helped local businesses stay afloat by ordering meals to help the Dream Center of LA feed almost 1 million Angelenos during COVID lockdown. Through my foundation, I will continue to support organizations in the Los Angeles area that assist our community in the battle against the virus.

The support and love that I have received from every one of them has truly left its mark on Kourt and me, and I could not be more proud to be a part of this team.

MLB has closed the investigation on Justin Turner and will not move to punish him for his actions.

NEXT: MLB Will Not Punish Justin Turner for Events Following World Series

Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

13 Comments

  1. Justin your are a winner we are so proud of you I enjoy watching you play don’t regret one bit

  2. Justin you deserved every right being with your teammates and I am sure that they understand also,anyone of them would have done the same thing. Bless you and your family.

  3. Awesome statement. Sorry he had to isolate and miss the final out. Wouldn’t be celebrating without him. As a recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, Justin Turner demonstrates that he is a man who considers the well being of others. It was an understandable lapse in judgment. Hope he, his wife and all in contact remain healthy and safe.

    1. I am a nurse and a fan of baseball. I understand that this was the ultimate goal for anyone in baseball. I understand he had exposed his coworkers for hours before he new the test result. I just can’t understand why someone would or could justify his actions. This is REAL. I see it with my work. Not a game. Potential exposure can lead to death and long term complications. Im so disappointed in Mr. Turner and Dodgers organization.

  4. You were and are the heart of the team. Without you in the game the last two innings we were very concerned. Everyone I spoke to said the same thing, you had already been out there with all of those men your wife had already been around all the women and friends, and there was no reason to take you out of the game for the last two innings. We were very excited to see you out on that field getting in the pictures and being with your team. The Dodgers hold you in high esteem as well as your fans. Thank you for giving us a great season and taking our minds up what is happening in our world today. Forever blue, forever dodger, we love you Justin Turner.

  5. Justin, you are a first class person. You have always given so much of yourself to the local community and have appreciated all that you have done regarding your contribution to the team. You are truly a world champion and hope you will be back in Dodger Blue again next year.

  6. As the heart and soul of the team, you are forgiven for any transgression, and deserve to celebrate your hard earned victory. We love and admire you and hope to see you in Dodger Blue again next season!

  7. Justin enjoy watching you play for the Dodgers. You are a class act and hope you end your career with the Dodgers. I am a Brooklyn fan now living in Florida. I bleed Dodger Blue. I am glad you finally got your Championship! You are what a Dodger should be! God Bless!

  8. JT, no need to apologize. You did what every other red-(dodger blue?)blooded American son-of-a mother would have done in your position!! Congratulations, good luck and a big, big thank you to you and your mates.

  9. All Dodger fans do not fault you at all. You have been an inspiration, on and off the field. I have a sneaky feeling we will see you back.

  10. All dodger fans? Speak for yourself. I just don’t understand what he was thinking. Whether you were around them earlier or not doesn’t matter. After the results came back you were removed. Teammates wanted you out there? Sounds like you succumb to peer pressure or something and not mature to make your own decision. And thought you had permission? Dude you have covid and knowingly went back out. Doesn’t make sense.

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