Atlanta Braves: Former GM John Coppolella speaks out
After two months of media silence since his dismissal from the Atlanta Braves, John Coppolella has finally spoken out about the events that led to his banishment from baseball.
The offseason for the Atlanta Braves was sent into an immediate turmoil when, on the first day of the offseason, news broke that general manager John Coppolella had lost his job, along with Latin American scouting director Gordon Blakely.
After two months of waiting, the Braves have dealt with their punishment, and on the first day that the prospects removed from the Braves in the punishment can sign with other organizations, Coppolella released his first statement to media since that fateful October day.
The statement
Coppolella, 38, cited his family to open the statement, stating that the reason for his lack of public statement has been due to the embarrassment and humiliation by what has happened and the tie to his name.
Immediately thereafter, he begins his apologies. He first apologizes to the Braves fans and fans of the game of baseball. Coppolella then takes responsibility for what his actions have done to the Atlanta Braves organization:
"Throughout my 20-year baseball career my singular focus has been to help make my team more successful. I am heartbroken that in this case my conduct has done the opposite for the Atlanta Braves organization. I accept full responsibility for my actions."
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Finally, “Coppy” addresses one of the major stories in reporting his downfall – that other industry personnel were frustrated in dealing with him for issues of dishonesty or disrespect.
He apologized to the baseball industry, whether employees of the Atlanta Braves or other teams, that he made to feel put out due to his workings. Included with that paragraph was also a note to the Commissioner’s office for requiring them to spend the time they did reviewing his behavior.
Coppy comes to a circular finish on his statement with a second apology to Braves fans and another apology to his family.
His final words are a warning to others:
"I have learned the lesson of a lifetime, as my mistakes have cost me my dream job and my future in the game that I love. I hope that other people, regardless of their profession, use this as a cautionary tale when making their own business decisions. I have been disgraced and humbled, and I will strive for the rest of my life to live honorably so that this is not my defining moment."
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While Coppolella may not do interviews any time soon due to the fact that he has retained legal counsel for possible action against the Braves and/or MLB, this was an A-/B+ as far as sports apologies go. Very little cliche, which leads to think there’s some genuine feeling behind his words. Sadly, genuine came much too late for John Coppolella…