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MLB Investigating Umpire Rob Drake's Tweet Threatening Civil War If President Donald Trump Impeached

HOUSTON (CBS/AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred says Major League Baseball will look into a politicized tweet by umpire Rob Drake that referenced a rifle and critics of President Donald Trump. Drake, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, posted this message to Twitter on Tuesday: "I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020"

Rob Drake
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 13: Home-plate umpire Rob Drake ejects Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals for arguing a called third strike during the seventh inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 13, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The tweet has since been deleted.

Manfred spoke at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday night before Game 2 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.

The Major League Baseball Umpires Association says they are aware of the social media post.

"Rob is a passionate individual and an outstanding umpire. He chose the wrong way to convey his opinion about our great country. His posting does not represent the view of the MLBUA or reflect those of the umpires we represent," the MLBUA said in a statement.

The #MLBUA is aware of Rob Drake's posting on social media earlier today. Rob is a passionate individual and an...

Posted by MLBUA on Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Drake, 50, has worked spring training or regular-season major league games since 1999 and joined the big league staff in 2010. Drake was not assigned to work the postseason this year.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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