NEW YORK — Radio host admits he misrepresented agent Casey Close’s claim that he never told the first baseman Freddie Freeman The Atlanta BravesLast contract offer.
Doug Gottlieb tweeted June 29 that “Casey Close had never told Freddie Freeman of the Braves final offers.” Close and Excel Sports Management sued Gottlieb at U.S. District Court Manhattan in mid-July, alleging defamation.
Gottlieb tweeted an apology Wednesday.
Gottlieb stated that he had done further research on his sources and reviewed the lawsuit that was filed against him in this matter. He also spoke directly with Casey to confirm that the conduct he alleged did indeed not occur. Gottlieb added that he believes there is no basis for believing that it did. “My ultimate investigation of this matter confirms Casey Close actually communicated all offers to Freddie Freeman. The sources I rely upon were also incorrect.
Gottlieb said, “I am sorry for the misinformation that this can cause.” I have also removed my original tweet.”
Close, 58 is a principal at Excel and one the three managing partners. Close has represented hundreds of baseball players, including Hall of Famer Derek Jerter.
Gottlieb also tweeted that Close had been fired by Freeman on June 29. According to the players’ association, Excel is still Freeman’s listed agent.
Close released a statement saying that “from the beginning, we were clear Mr. Gottlieb was incorrect and that we would seek out legal remedies to correct the record.” Close said that Gottlieb has now retracted all of his statements and admitted to having misunderstood the story. This matter has been closed.”
As of Wednesday midday, the suit was still pending.
According to the suit, Gottlieb, 46 is associated with Fox Sports and the Pac-12 Network as well as CBS Sports.
Close stated in the suit that Freeman was offered $110 million by the Braves for a five-year contract starting in 2022. Freeman then received a $125 million five-year proposal on August 1 and a $135million proposal on Aug 4. All of these proposals were rejected by Freeman.
Close claimed that he and the Braves had their last two conversations about a Freeman deal on March 12, and he made two suggestions to the team that day, but they were turned down. Close claimed that he asked the team whether it had any offers he could make for Freeman, and was told that they did not.
Atlanta announced that it had purchased the first baseman on March 14. Matt Olson From the Oakland AthleticsThis indicated that the team was not trying to retain Freeman. Freeman signed a $62 million six-year contract on March 17 with the team. Los Angeles Dodgers.
Freeman is batting.323, with 17 homers, and 84 RBI.