PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says deputies who sought autographs from New York Yankees baseball players while working security for the game have been reprimanded.
The deputies were conducting a security sweep through the team's clubhouse before Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks when they started asking for autographs from players. According to NJ.com, the deputies--part of the department's K-9 unit--sought the autograph of Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, who had recorded his 3,000th strikeout the night before.
The deputies tried to also get the signature of shortstop Gleyber Torres, but were intercepted by a team official and escorted out.
The sheriff's office said their conduct lacked professionalism and violated policy. Those involved will no longer work at the stadium and a directive has been sent to all employees reminding them such actions are prohibited, according to MCSO.
"MCSO will issue written apologies to the Yankees and Diamondbacks organizations," Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a statement. "These teams and our community as a whole expect us to act with discretion and professionalism while providing public safety services at Chase Field, and we will work to ensure that is the case moving forward."
All autographed material was recovered and will be turned over to the Yankees, Penzone said.
