Watch CBS News

Bob Costas Apologizes To Mets After Criticizing Celebration; Terry Responds

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bob Costas sent a private broadcast to the Mets on Monday: sorry!

Costas criticized the team on national television Sunday, calling its celebration after Kirk Nieuwenhuis' walk-off home run against the Chicago Cubs an "indication of the ongoing decline of western civilization."

The veteran broadcaster's remarks during the U.S. Open irked Mets fans and even some players. Costas called New York public relations chief Jay Horwitz the next day to apologize, saying he "didn't mean any harm."

"All right, civilization's over," manager Terry Collins said on Monday. "We'll have to rebuild. We're starting today."

KEIDEL: THE COST OF COSTAS' COMMENTS

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner, who was in line for the loss before the comeback, tweeted his message to Costas: "We will enjoy our wins!" Mets strength coach Jim Malone wrote that the comments were "a classic example of a non athlete not 'getting it.' "

"He's an intelligent guy," manager Terry Collins said of Costas. "I don't really know what that all means. But I know one thing, we had a nice celebration."

Collins said he would've been "a little concerned" if there was no celebration at home plate.

"Show me a team that has a walk-off home run that they don't celebrate," he said. "Show me one. I've seen the Yankees do it, I've seen the Cardinals do it, I've seen the Los Angeles Dodgers do it. Everybody's excited, especially when you have a young guy like Kirk come up and do it in that situation. We're down three runs and it seemed like we haven't won a game in a week."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.