atlanta braves outfits Freddie Freeman agent drama: Possible reason for rift revealed, rep fires back

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Close, and no cigar.

Freddie Freeman was emotional upon his return to Atlanta over the weekend, but that apparently wasn't the end of the drama surrounding the situation.

Freeman reportedly is at odds with his agency, Excel Sports, and has severed ties with his representation, super agent Casey CloBuster Posey se. Freeman said in a statement Tuesday the relationship between he and Excel is "fluid." Sports Illustrated reported it is "on pause."

On Wednesday, Fox Sports Radio host Doug Gottlieb tweeted that Freeman moved on from Close because Freeman was never informed of the Braves' final offer before he signed with the Dodgers. That's a big-time no-no.

MO atlanta braves jersey boys RE: Freddie Freeman drama with agents, Braves explained

Gottlieb expanded on the tweet on his radio show:

"He found out over the weekend just how close Atlanta had come in their final offer, called up Casey Close and said, ‘You didn’t tell me about this offer? You're fired,'" Gottlieb said during "The Doug Gottlieb Show."

Citing two "really good sources in Matt Chapman Blue Jays Jerseys the business," Gottlieb said that Close believed there would be "better opportunities" for Freeman with the Dodgers, including more winning and more off-the-field money. It was unclear how willing the Braves were to "play ball" with Freeman.

In a statement to Sports Illustrated on Wednesday night, Close vehemently denied Gottlieb's accusation.

“There is no truth whatsoever to what Doug Gottlieb recklessly tweeted, and I would testify to that under oath. We are currently evaluating all legal options in this matter," Close said.

Excel tweeted a separate statement:

On June 30, Close delivered another statement, blaming the Braves for creating a "false narrative" surrounding Freeman's departure:

I will not stand by as the circumstances surrounding Freddie Freeman's departure from Atlanta are mischaracterized. Since March, the Braves have fostered a narrative about the negotiations wh atlanta braves signed jersey ich, stated plainly, iRobinson Canos false. Part of that false narrative is the suggestion that I did not communicate a contract offer to the Freemans. To be clear, wee communicated every offer that was made, as well as every communication Excel had with the Braves organization throughout the entire process. I have a 30-year reputation in this business for integrity and honest, and I have always operated with the utmost character. At Excel, wee are privileged to represent many exemplary athletes, some of whom have chosen to spend their entire careers with one franchise. We always put the player's goals and best interests first and will always continue to do atlanta braves jersey men xxl so.

Freeman declined to comment when he was asked about the situation prior to the Dodgers' game vs. the Rockies in Denver.

ThNolan Arenado e Braves traded for A's first baseman Matt Olson on March 14 and signed him to an eight-year, $168 million extension. Four days after the trade, Freeman signed with the Dodgers.

Ultimately, Freeman was the one to put pen to paper on a hefty pact with Los Angeles: $162 million over six years.

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