Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority, seeking damages for a knee injury sustained at Comerica Park, according to multiple outlets.
Gelof was injured in the third inning of a game on July 9, a 4-1 loss to the Tigers, when his right knee slammed into a metal fence while he was making a sliding catch in foul territory, according to Yahoo Sports.
According to the New York Post, the fence involved was described as exposed metal fencing, and the injury sidelined Gelof for a month.
The Tigers responded to the lawsuit with a statement saying, "We are aware of the lawsuit and do not comment on pending litigation," according to Yahoo Sports.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported that Gelof sued the Tigers for damages after his knee hit the Comerica Park fence.
- Covered the filing as a straightforward legal development.
“A's outfielder Zack Gelof sues Tigers for damages after right knee slammed into Comerica Park fence” — Associated Press
Center
- Yahoo Sports named all three defendants: the Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority.
- Included the Tigers' statement declining to comment on pending litigation.
- Specified the injury occurred July 9 during a sliding catch in a 4-1 loss.
“Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority for damages after his right knee slammed into a Comerica Park fence during a game last summer.” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Fox Sports and Fox News reported the lawsuit using near-identical descriptions of the injury and filing.
- The New York Post described the fence as exposed metal and said the injury sidelined Gelof for a month.
- The New York Post characterized the lawsuit skeptically, calling it a "Hail Mary" tied to an underperforming season.
“MLB player’s Hail Mary to rescue awful season blames stadium fence in ridiculous lawsuit” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened to Zack Gelof at Comerica Park?
Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof injured his right knee on July 9 when he collided with a metal fence at Comerica Park while making a sliding catch in foul territory during a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Who is Zack Gelof suing?
Zack Gelof is suing the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority for damages related to the injury.
How did the Detroit Tigers respond to the lawsuit?
The Tigers issued a statement saying they are aware of the lawsuit and do not comment on pending litigation, according to Yahoo Sports.
How long was Zack Gelof out due to the injury?
According to the New York Post, the injury sidelined Gelof for a month.
How did coverage of the lawsuit differ across outlets?
Left-leaning and center outlets reported the facts of the lawsuit and the Tigers' response, while right-leaning outlets, particularly the New York Post, characterized the lawsuit as a "Hail Mary" and called it "ridiculous."
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningA's outfielder Zack Gelof sues Tigers for damages after right knee slammed into Comerica Park fence
- USA TodayLeft-leaningAthletics' Zack Gelof sues Tigers, others over injury at Comerica Park
- Yahoo SportsCenterAthletics' Zack Gelof suing Tigers after July knee injury at Comerica Park
- Fox NewsRight-leaningWhy Athletics Outfielder Zack Gelof Is Suing Tigers For Damages
- Fox SportsRight-leaningWhy Athletics Outfielder Zack Gelof Is Suing Tigers For Damages
- New York PostRight-leaningMLB player’s Hail Mary to rescue awful season blames stadium fence in ridiculous lawsuit