This is why Cardinals fans still dislike Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto
While there was much rejoicing in Kansas City when the news broke of the Royals’ trade to acquire Johnny Cueto, the feeling was much different in the eastern part of Missouri.
Cardinals fans have not forgotten an ugly on-field brawl between St. Louis and the Reds in 2010.
Cueto kicked Cardinals catcher Jason LaRue in the head while wearing spikes. Cueto was suspended seven games.
I don't care what team he's on, I lost all my respect for Cueto kicked Jason LaRue in the head with cleats on and ended his career
— Cardinal Nation (@Cardinal_Nation) July 26, 2015Were you professional when you ended LaRue's career? https://t.co/wGhWPS5V92
— Tyler (@Tyeezus417) July 26, 2015Done supporting #KCRoyals 4 awhile as long as they have Cueto. Dirty player from a dirty team. #Reds Unforgivable what he did 2 StL LaRue.
— Jill Dee (@jilldee) July 26, 2015Royals fans throw a fit at Lawrie's antics earlier this year but applaud Cueto for ending the career of Jason LaRue
— Seth Edwin Moon (@seth_edwin_moon) July 26, 2015@Royals you just acquired a thug Larue... was kicked in the face by Reds Cueto ending his career http://t.co/hL5InBKgdJ
— Aaron Bounds (@OutofBounds82) July 26, 2015LaRue retired at the end of the 2010 season as a result of the concussion he received in the incident — and as he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the “close to 20” concussions in his athletic career dating to high school football.
Some Cardinals fans on Sunday said LaRue still can’t drive a car and that he has brain damage.
I don’t know if he can or can’t drive. That Post-Dispatch story from 2010 clearly says he was driving by season’s end.
But, obviously, bad feelings linger.
Here is the brawl:
One other note about LaRue: He at one time played for the Reds and was traded to the Royals — for $1.
To reach Pete Grathoff, call 816-234-4330 or send email to pgrathoff@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @pgrathoff.
This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 1:01 AM.