Carl Crawford Says Heckler Called Him Racial Slur During Double-A Rehab Game (Video)

by Ricky Doyle on Fri, Jul 6, 2012 at 7:50AM

Carl Crawford had a disappointing first season in Boston, and he's yet to step foot on the big league diamond this year, so he understands that Red Sox fans might be a little upset with him. One fan has taken things over the top, however.

Crawford took part in his third rehab game with Double-A Portland on Thursday night, going 1-for-4 as the Sea Dogs traveled to Manchester, N.H. to take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. After the game, Crawford admitted to hearing a heckler during the game, saying that the guy even used a racial slur while criticizing the outfielder.

"[That guy] actually called me a racial slur to begin the game with," Crawford said when asked about the noticeably critical fan. "He was the only one I had a problem with. People in Boston don't even do that so I don't even know what that was about."

Crawford's $142 million contract was reportedly the subject of much of the criticism, as the heckler routinely shouted that the outfielder was overrated and overpaid.

"I can understand why people can be upset about me signing my contract and me having the kind of year I had. I understand," Crawford said. "They love their team and they want you to produce when you signed the contract like that. I can't get mad at them. All I can do is just get ready to play this year and try to produce."

Crawford's one hit on Thursday was a triple, and he later scored on Jackie Bradley's RBI single.