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ESPN Radio Host Doug Gottlieb Walks Back Claims Against Freddie Freeman’s Agent Casey Close

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ATLANTA, GA Ð SEPTEMBER 04: Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) walks off the field during the MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves on September 4th, 2020 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

Looks like Doug Gottlieb was wrong.

Fox Sports analyst Doug Gottlieb recanted his report about Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and his former agent, Casey Close, in a statement Wednesday:

“Upon further vetting of my sources, a review of the lawsuit filed against me in this matter and a direct conversation with Casey himself, I have learned that the conduct I alleged did not occur and that there is no credible basis for stating that it did,” Gottlieb wrote. “My ultimate investigation into this matter confirms that Casey Close did, in fact, communicate all offers to Freddie Freeman and the sources I relied on were incorrect, in no uncertain terms.

“I appreciate the damage that misinformation like this can cause,” Gottlieb added, “and have been in touch with Casey Close to apologize directly. I have also deleted my original tweet.”

Close filed a lawsuit against Gottlieb in July alleging libel, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Freeman cut ties with Close and Excel Sports Management in June because he was “angry with how his free-agent negotiations played out,” per ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Gottlieb then tweeted that Close intentionally withheld information from his client:

“Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn’t that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened – Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal.”

Close released a statement in response:

Let’s all remember Close helped negotiate a six-year, $162 million deal for Freeman with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency this past offseason.

Freeman is part of the best team in baseball, with the Dodgers entering Wednesday with a 93-42 record. The disgruntled slugger has a .323 batting average and leads the NL with 171 hits and 44 doubles.

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