MLB fans criticize Jeff Passan for comparing Astros to Clippers penalties

Baseball fans are challenging MLB analyst Jeff Passan after he compared the league’s 2020 and 2021 draft pick penalties against the Houston Astros for sign-stealing to recent NBA sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA investigation into salary-cap circumvention resulted in a $30 million fine for the Clippers, player fines, and significant front-office suspensions. Passan cited the Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal to provide context regarding league penalties, but the comparison prompted social media backlash from fans who demanded similar scrutiny of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The criticism coincides with ongoing fan concerns regarding the payroll management and salary deferral strategies employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the club maintains a large payroll, it utilizes extensive salary deferrals to comply with league luxury tax regulations.

• 10:13 AMYahoo Sports — “Now Do The Dodgers” – MLB Fans Lash Out At Insider For Comparing Astros’ Sign-Stealing Punishment To Clippers Penalty