After receiving criticism for interfering with a foul ball during Game 1 of the Tokyo Series, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete has spoken out. Reacting to social media posts about the incident, Peete downplayed the impact of his actions.
Rodney Peete Interferes With Foul Ball at Dodgers Game
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo Series. But despite the Dodgers’ win, Peete faced backlash online for catching a foul ball as Los Angeles star Max Muncy attempted to make the play.
Upon closer examination of the video, though, it’s clear that Muncy had already missed the catch before the ball landed in Peete’s glove. Still, the internet exploded over Peete’s grab. FOX Sports edited the video to freeze-frame on Peete’s mean-mugging face and overlaid the theme music from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” — a moment Larry David himself couldn’t have scripted better.
Rodney Peete casually making the catch in front of Max Muncy 🤣 pic.twitter.com/16sGFvMqNT
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX)
Some reactions were more critical of the former Eagles quarterback.
🚨🚨THIS IS WILD🚨🚨
Former #Eagles quarterback Rodney Peete just caught and stole the ball away from Dodgers Max Muncy in Japan.
🤯
The Bartman.pic.twitter.com/66CC85qNzl
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball)
Comment sections quickly filled up, with some accusing Peete of interfering with the play and costing the Dodgers an out.
He’s a dodger fan but stole an out from the dodgers? Ok
— Michael Jones (@BahlestKimmie)
However, many fans came to Peete’s defense, pointing out that his catch had no impact on the play.
Muncy huffing and puffing like he didn’t flat out miss the catch regardless 😂
— Rams Fan Bot #4222 🤖🐏 (@RoyalAndMadSol)
Peete Responds to Social Media Buzz
After seeing the reaction to his catch, Peete defended himself. Replying to a post by MLB Network’s Tim Cates, in which Cates accused him of denying Muncy a catch, Peete wrote: “C’mon Cates … Muncy had no chance.”
Cmon Cates…Muncy had no chance! 😂 https://t.co/3F4z3hhaO9
— Rodney Peete (@RodneyPeete9)
Cates has since invited Peete to discuss the catch on his Dodgers postgame show on AM 570 LA Sports, an offer Peete accepted.
Peete also responded to a more lighthearted take on the moment. The media outlet OutKick posted: “Rodney Peete said I’ll take that thank you very much.” Amused, Peete replied, “Yes I did!”
Yes I did! https://t.co/rBR13nOxhq
— Rodney Peete (@RodneyPeete9)
Rodney Peete played 15 seasons in the NFL, including a notable 1995 playoff run with the Philadelphia Eagles. He led them to a stunning 58-37 rout of the Detroit Lions in the NFC wild-card round.
A Wild Card game for the record book 🔥
On December 30th, 1995, the Eagles defeated the Lions 58-37 in what was the highest scoring playoff game in NFL History at the time. Rodney Peete threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns, Fred Barnett caught eight passes for 109 yards and… pic.twitter.com/iBskWyzgc5
— Eagles History (@EaglesHistory)
Peete retired from the NFL in 2005 and transitioned into sports media, including a stint on FOX Sports’ “The Best Damn Sports Show Period.” He is married to actress Holly Robinson Peete, and their son, Rodney Peete Jr., works for the Dodgers.
Over his 15-year NFL career, Peete threw for 16,338 yards and 76 touchdowns, completing 57.3% of his passes. He played in 104 games (87 starts, 45-42 record) while suiting up for six teams: the Lions, Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington.
