The San Francisco Giants have announced they will suspend salary payments to outfielder Harrison Bader following a late-night scooter accident that delayed his recovery and return to play. Bader, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the team last winter, sustained injuries in an early Sunday morning crash that has extended his absence from the field.
Giants President Buster Posey revealed the decision in a statement issued Friday, nearly a week after the incident occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. in a busy San Francisco nightlife area. Posey explained that the crash interrupted Bader’s treatment plan for plantar fasciitis, a foot condition that had sidelined him since May, and has further postponed his availability to perform for the team.
While the organization continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the scooter accident, the Giants intend to withhold Bader’s pay until he can resume team activities. The club’s legal department is examining possible implications under Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which contains a clause prohibiting players from engaging in activities without written consent from their team that present a “substantial risk of personal injury.” Although electric scooters are not explicitly mentioned, the Giants may consider their use in violation of this provision.
The issue has drawn attention because electric scooters are commonly used by players to navigate the team’s clubhouse and surrounding areas, leading some players to express sympathy for Bader. One member, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the majority of players have ridden scooters late at night without incident. Bader’s accident is an outlier in this regard.
Giants manager Tony Vitello acknowledged that even before the accident, Bader’s return from plantar fasciitis was unlikely this season, given that the outfielder had appeared in only 30 games. The scooter crash effectively ended any remaining hopes of a comeback.
The timing and location of the crash may work in the team’s favor, as the injury occurred during early morning hours in a district known for its nightlife. While the Giants have not confirmed whether alcohol was involved, Bader has a previous history with scooter-related incidents, including a 2014 crash while allegedly intoxicated at the University of Florida, which led to a 19-game suspension.
Vitello expressed caution regarding scooter use among players, citing injuries suffered by others, including outfielder David Hamilton. He voiced concerns about the risks posed by riding scooters late at night in busy urban settings, emphasizing safety over convenience. “I’m just not a fan,” Vitello said, referencing his experiences in cities with active nightlife scenes.
The Giants now face the challenge of balancing player safety, contractual obligations, and team operations as the investigation into Bader’s scooter accident continues.