A former bat boy for the Oakland Athletics once impersonated outfielder Eric Byrnes to solicit sexual favors from a woman, Byrnes revealed on his podcast "Deuces Wild." The incident occurred when Byrnes was a player for the team.
According to Byrnes, the bat boy, while driving in his mother's vehicle, was approached by two women. After engaging in conversation, the bat boy convinced one of the women to enter his car, leading to a sexual encounter where the woman believed she was with Byrnes. Byrnes recounted the story to his co-host, former Giants first baseman Will Clark.
The bat boy later confessed the incident to the A's equipment manager, Steve Vucinich, who then informed Byrnes. Byrnes stated he told the bat boy, "nice work, congratulations, don't ever f—king do it again."
This account comes to light as more information emerges about Daejon Love, who was arrested and charged with wire fraud in federal court in Oregon. Love allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver to scam at least 26 women out of $1.3 million. Love reportedly released workout videos on social media that included him running routes while wearing a San Francisco helmet.
Love has also drawn commentary from other professional athletes. Former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens described Love's actions as "unfortunate" but suggested that "so many other people have done far worse things than him." Owens drew a parallel to former Packers quarterback Brett Favre's alleged involvement in a Mississippi welfare fraud case.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce also addressed Love's actions on his podcast "New Heights," calling them "crazy" and advising, "We've got to be smarter, women."