According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson got into a heated exchange with an autograph-seeking fan Friday while in Cooperstown, New York for this weekend’s ceremonies.
The incident occurred after Jackson and other Hall of Famers attended a party at the home of Hall chairperson Jane Forbes Clark. Jackson left to go to dinner with four friends and said he found himself in a crowd of people when he tried to exit out the back of the restaurant.Jackson recognized one of the autograph seekers. He had already obtained Jackson’s autograph earlier in the day at their golf outing and tried to get a second one, Jackson said, which led to an exchange on the golf course.
“‘I told you, I want to sign autographs,’’’ Jackson said that he told him, “‘and you’re screwing it up for everyone, but no more.’
“The same guy turned up for dinner. I said, ‘Hey, this guy, no autographs.’ I used profanity, and told him no more autographs with profanity in it.
“I turned and walked away.’’
TMZ posted a 17-second video clip of the exchange, which includes very graphic and regrettable language. According to Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, Jackson appeared to shove the fan in question. However, Jackson vehemently denies that the altercation turned physical.