Fire Comparison Between Jackie Robinson and Bryce Harper

No other baseball experience compares with Robinson's (AP).

In a Sports Illustrated story due out this week, Nationals Director of Player Development Doug Harris said prized prospect Bryce Harper is subject to more media scrutiny than any player ever, except for maybe Jackie Robinson. Does this incredibly stupid comment need to be fired? I think you know the answer.

Harris said: “This is really unfair and it’s totally different, but if I can make a comparison to one guy that has been scrutinized like this, it would be Jackie Robinson. And it’s unfair because it was a different standard. He was under a microscope in an era when we didn’t have Internet, didn’t have cellphones. Now, Jackie Robinson had his life threatened. I’m not comparing Bryce to that. But as far as nonstop scrutiny? Absolutely. Day to day.”

At least Harris acknowledged that Harper isn't getting death threats, but even beyond that there is just no comparison. Robinson was so closely watched because the future of African Americans in baseball depended on everything he did. Millions wanted him to fail and millions wanted him to succeed. Everybody had a stake in his story. The only things that depend on Bryce Harper's success are the reputation of the Washington Nationals and the bank account of Scott Boras. To even suggest that Harper is going through something like what Robinson did is deeply insulting not only to Jackie, but all victims of hatred.

The other issue that Harris didn't address is why Harper is being scrutinized. It's because he asked for it. When you appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a 16-year-old, when you sign the biggest rookie contract ever, and when you do dumb stuff like blow kisses at a pitcher you just took deep, you're asking for attention.

So don't feel sorry for Harper, he'll be just fine. As for Harris, he needs to apologize for what he said. Until he does, he should be fired.