Dodgers Win World Series, Create COVID-19 Super Spreader Event

The World Series has ended with the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games.

However, Game 6 was not without controversy, as fans blame Rays Manager Kevin Cash for pulling starting pitcher Blake Snell during a commanding outing and a 1-0 lead in the 6th inning.

The Dodgers took advantage of the pitching change, and ultimately took the World Series crown. And all Snell could do was bite his lip at the end of the game, watching the Dodgers celebrate at Globe Life Field.

That may be the story that baseball fans are talking about today, but it's not the most controversial aspect of last night's game.

The story that should get more attention is that fact that the Dodgers allowed a COVID-19 positive player to remain in the game after his test.

Dodgers 1st Baseman Justin Turner was discovered to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 2nd inning, yet remained on the field until the 8th inning after the Dodgers had the game -- and series -- in hand.

After the game, Turner had not quarantined and was part of the Dodgers' on-field victory celebration. He was seen wearing a mask at times, however in the team photo after the game, he was not wearing one, potentially exposing all of his teammates to the virus.

Turner did take to Twitter after the game to acknowledge, and downplay, his diagnosis.

Turner was clearly untruthful in his tweet, as photos showed he was on the field during the celebrations. According to the CDC, people who have COVID-19 could possibly spread it even without having symptoms themselves.

After the game, fans in Los Angeles took to the streets en masse, most without masks and clearly not practicing social distancing.

This begs the question: was winning the game more important than the health and safety of coaches and players? Without Turner, the game outcome could have been different, but the Dodgers chose to roll the dice and allow an infected player, albeit someone who is supposedly asymptomatic, to play and remain in close contact with his teammates.

So, what's more important? The safety of his co-workers, or winning the World Series? If you ask Dodgers fans today, it's clearly the latter, which is in direct conflict with guidelines and direction from health and government officials. Let's not forget this happened in a state with some of the most rigid COVID-19 restrictions in the nation, California.

Local leaders are celebrating the win and ignoring the fact that Turner played in direct conflict to the mandates that they had set for regular citizens.

Are there separate rules for the famous? Do we only enforce the rules when it's convenient for us? Since the Dodgers won, out in L.A. they'll shrug and focus on the fact that for the first time since 1988, the Boys in Blue are World Champions. But at what cost? Probably not any long-term health issues, but most certainly a price will be paid for the hypocrisy shown towards Turner's test.

Long story short, Turner should not have been on the field after his COVID-19 positive test, no matter what Dodger fans will say. It's a bad look. If he can play a game and celebrate with COVID-19, then we need to seriously reconsider the arbitrary restrictions and guidelines the rest of us are under.

Rules for thee, but not for me?