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Bob Costas Slams Mets' Celebration; Players Respond On Twitter

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bob Costas threw a bucket of cold water on the Mets' walk-off win on Father's Day, calling the team's celebration an "indication of the ongoing decline of western civilization."

The veteran broadcaster, introducing Sunday's New York-Chicago highlights, warned U.S. Open viewers that the game "wasn't exactly a battle of the titans." But it was his closing line that rankled Mets fans -- and even some players.

"The Mets with four in the bottom of the ninth to win it 4-3, and a team 14 games under .500 celebrates as if it just won the seventh game of the World Series," Costas said in his sports update during the final-round broadcast of the Open.

"Another indication of the ongoing decline of western civilization," he added.

His remark didn't slip past the Flushing faithful. Even retired Mets nemesis Chipper Jones chimed in on Twitter, predicting fans would "let Bob Costas know about that little comment."

He was right. Some members of the organization also responded to Costas presumably trying to make a joke at the expense of the team.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner, who was in line for the loss before the comeback, tweeted his message to the broadcaster: "We will enjoy our wins!"

Mets strength coach Jim Malone called Costas' comments "a classic example of a non athlete not 'getting it.' "

Kirk Nieuwenhuis' three-run home run capped Sunday's ninth-inning rally, giving fans in attendance at Citi Field something to celebrate -- besides Father's Day.

The Mets and Cubs are a combined 25 games under .500.

WEB EXTRA: COSTAS ADVOCATES FOR GUN CONTROL DURING 'SNF'

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