The Chicago Cubs suspended Ian Stewart Tuesday for remarks he made on Twitter, which were critical of the team's handling of his situation.
Stewart made a series of comments proposing that the team release him, adding that he would likely never be called back up. He will be suspended without pay as a result of the remarks.
Stewart and the Cubs are meeting about an agreement to relieve him of his contract, which calls for him to make more than $1 million the rest of the season.
The original tweet from Stewart's now-deleted account came as a response to a fan asking him if he would be recalled to the majors any time soon.
Probably neverRT @wesjameson11: @ian_stewart_2sc good game tonight bro!! Any word when your heading back to Chicago?
— BeefStew2 (@IAN_STEWART_2sc) June 11, 2013
When asked about why he would not simply quit, Stewart saw things very economically.
@believesumner why would I quit? I'm making 2 mill in AAA like u would give that up by quitting
— BeefStew2 (@IAN_STEWART_2sc) June 11, 2013
Stewart also showed his excellent knowledge of the business of baseball.
@believesumner I said that be because the cubs are doneWith me....there going to let meRott in AAA all season and then non tender me after
— BeefStew2 (@IAN_STEWART_2sc) June 11, 2013
Stewart went on to share some interesting information about how he thinks the Cubs' manager, Dale Sveum, feels about him.
@heitkamp2827 I think daleDoesn't like me andHe'sRunning the show
— BeefStew2 (@IAN_STEWART_2sc) June 11, 2013
Since this tirade, both Stewart and his agent, Larry Reynolds, have been lobbying for Stewart to get out of his contract. Reynolds publicly asked the Cubs to let Stewart go if he is not a part of their future plans.
Despite his disdain toward the organization, Stewart issued an apology via Twitter before ultimately deciding to delete his account altogether.
I want to apologize to the entire Cubs organization for my comments on twitter .
— BeefStew2 (@IAN_STEWART_2sc) June 11, 2013
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