Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield caused a stir on social media when he subtly taunted the Houston Astros after his outstanding performance that jump-started the NFL season.
Following the Buccaneers’ impressive 20-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, running back Rachaad White informed that Mayfield had deciphered the Vikings’ signals during the game. White shared, “I just remember Bake came in the locker room literally at halftime and said, ‘I got it. We got all these signals.’”
“I’m a Texas Rangers fan, not a Houston Astros fan. So we’re not going to condone that.”
Don’t ask Baker if he was picking up opposing signals
pic.twitter.com/GheGV5hKG7— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) September 13, 2023
When asked about this revelation during a press conference on Wednesday, Mayfield skillfully avoided the question and instead took a shot at the Astros, stating, “I know I’m in Tampa but I’m a Texas Rangers fan, not a Houston Astros fan. So we’re not going to condone that.”
Mayfield’s mention of the Astros was a clear reference to the infamous sign-stealing scandal that tarnished the baseball team’s reputation. The Astros were deemed guilty of illicitly transmitting stolen signs, in the year 2017, as a result of which they were victorious in the World Series that year.
Mayfield’s actions of deciphering opposing signals, which resulted in the Buccaneers’ surprising victory, seemed to be well within the boundaries of NFL regulations. With 21 completions out of 34 attempts, amassing 173 yards and scoring two touchdowns, Mayfield showcased his skill and talent during Saunday’s match against the Vikings.
It’s important to note that in the NFL, interpreting an opponent’s signals is considered a legitimate tactic and is not prohibited on the field. NFL legend Tony Dungy emphasized that this practice has been used legally for many years.
However, the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal in MLB took a different path, involving the use of technology to unlawfully obtain signs during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. After further investigations into the case, MLB suspended Astros’ general manager Jeff Luhnow and field manager A.J. Hinch for their failure to report the violations.
Both individuals were swiftly terminated by the team following the announcement of their punishments. Additionally, a significant $5 million fine was imposed by the MLB on the Astros, depriving them of their first and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.
However, no disciplinary actions were taken against the players, prompting the Astros to keep their 2017 World Series title intact, a decision that sparked mixed reactions among baseball enthusiasts.
Mayfield’s comments have incited a flurry of response from NFL fans.
One fan was found calling Mayfield a:
Washed up QB https://t.co/ofzRuygOwO
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) September 13, 2023
“A QB who has never won anything is a fan of an organization that has never won anything, not surprising,” said another.
A QB who has never won anything is a fan of an organization that has never won anything, not surprising https://t.co/MNJELW5Rfs
— Jeremy Kaufman (@JeremyIKaufman) September 13, 2023
