Clemson baseball lost a crucial player in Jack Crighton to Florida in what could be the Tigers’ final game of the season in the Clemson Super Regional on Sunday.
Crighton’s ejection sparked social media ire, as he was not part of the confrontation between Jac Caglianone and Nolan Nawracki in which the two collided along the path to first base. Both players briefly entered it, causing both benches to clear, although the situation did not escalate further from there.
However, Crighton – who was already on the field and appeared to be returning from second base to the Clemson dugout, in front of which the altercation took place – was the only player ejected in the game. The NCAA provided an update on the reasons for the expulsion to ESPN, which was broadcasting the game. It was initially thought that Crighton had been sent off for making contact with the referee.
However, play-by-play announcer Dave Neal said that was not the ultimate reason for his ejection from the game. Here’s the official reason he relayed on the ESPN telecast, according to NCAA Baseball Rules Editor Ryan Bruns:
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“He was at second base at the time of the play, which led to a possible altercation near first base. He was ejected from the game for leaving his position on the field because he had gone to the scene of the play. “potential altercation.”
Why was Clemson baseball’s Jack Crighton ejected against Florida?
The ESPN broadcast interviewed Clemson coach Erik Bakich late in the fifth inning. Bakich was immediately asked about the ejection and what happened.
“You can almost see it happening in slow motion: A swinging bunt and two guys running for the ball collided. Competitive kids and emotions got hot,” Bakich said of the play.
“But the explanation I got for throwing out Crighton was that he was on base and left his position on base, even though it was the third out of the upcoming inning and he was coming back to the shelter.
“I don’t really know what else to tell you,” Bakich added with a laugh after stopping talking for a moment.
Here’s the full altercation, starting with Caglianone and Nawrocki colliding to Crighton’s ejection:
After a long review, the referees explained to Bakich that Crighton would be the only player excluded from all the dust-ups. When the referees informed him, Bakich told them he would not eject his player from the match. Crighton then came out and was told by the referees that he had been ejected. Bakich restrained his player and prevented him from discussing after the decision.
“They told me he had been deported and I said I wasn’t the one who would deport him,” Bakich said.
