Bobby Valentine Explains 'I'd Punch You' Comment

The Red Sox manager has caught a lot of flack for telling WEEI’s Glenn Orway on-air yesterday that “I’d punch you right in the mouth” after Orway asked Valentine if he’s “checked out” for the season. Now, Valentine maintains that he said those words in jest, according to the Globe. “Didn’t I go, ‘Ha ha?’ I think I did,” Valentine said. “I don’t think physical violence is necessary for 60-year-old people. … I think it made the point that there are lines that should be drawn in the sand when someone’s trying to be professional and sounding unprofessional. Sometimes it’s better to be abrupt and then let everyone know you’re kidding.” And that’s exactly the rub with him: Act now, ask questions later. [Globe]