The fallout from Impemba v. Allen I in Chicago Tuesday has cost the Tigers announcers a gig for at least the rest of the season.
Friday, Fox Sports Detroit announced that play-by-play man Mario Impemba and analyst Rod Allen would be suspended for the rest of the season after what was described as a ‘physical altercation’ Tuesday night after the White Sox game.
After speaking with all involved parties, FOX Sports Detroit has decided not to schedule Rod Allen and Mario Impemba for any future Tigers telecasts this season. Since this is an internal matter, we will have no further comment.
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) September 7, 2018
According to reports, the disagreement occurred over a chair in the broadcast booth which escalated to Allen putting Impemba in a choke hold after the broadcast was over.
Allen’s agent Tom Shaer called those allegations of the reverse choke ‘ridiculous’ and “blatantly false descriptions.” Allen also gave a brief statement on Twitter:
I’ve always conducted myself as an honorable professional and I always will. Because this is a personnel matter. I can’t comment right now.
— Rod Allen (@RodAllen12) September 7, 2018
Impemba has been with the organization since 2002 and Allen since 2003. It’s unclear if both will return to their regular assignments next season after the suspensions expire given the contentious history these two have together.
