Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper reportedly cursing out MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the potential of the league implementing a salary cap is a bad look. For Harper himself. For the stars of the league. And for the league itself.

The reported confrontation came in an annual meeting between Manfred and the Phillies — every team has one. Harper took note when Manfred began discussing the economics of the game, assuming the commissioner would bring up the potential for a salary cap. According to the reports, Harper told Manfred to “get the f— out of our clubhouse” if he was there to talk about a cap.

Harper did not deny the reports, and his teammate, Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos confirmed some details about the meeting. 

I simply don’t know why Harper would voice his frustration. It’s not like the MLB said “we’re going to implement a cap tomorrow” — nothing can happen until the current collective bargaining agreement expires after next season. Regardless, that’s not how to conduct oneself in the workplace; it’s one thing to get emotional after a poor call or in a press conference, but another to lose it mid-meeting with the head of the league.

It’s not like him saying that had any chance to accomplish anything productive. There was never a chance Manfred would say “Bryce, you’re right. Salary cap discussions are over,” especially considering Harper’s delivery. It was always going to become a controversy and make him look bad. 

Did he just have a moment where he lost self-control? If he did, he needs to issue an apology. If not, and if he doesn’t try to walk this back, it could stick with him and by extension, other players, to shake off.

We’re talking about the guy who was seventh in jersey sales during this previous offseason. He’s a two-time MVP. He plays for one of the marquee teams in the league. He’s not just a random player. He’sone of the faces of the league. What he says matters. What he says will grab attention. He’s supposed to be defusing negative headlines about the league, not acting in ways bound to create them.

It feeds into the narrative that baseball players, especially stars, are greedy. Of course Harper would hate a salary cap; he’s a superstar who has benefited from the league not having one — in March 2019, he signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies. He’s on one of the “haves” in a league that can feel divided among the “haves” and “have-nots.” In his eyes, presumably, he sees the cap keeping superstars from reaching their highest earning potential. And from that perspective, I can understand, but show some self-respect.