Mike Rizzo has issued a formal statement commenting on Jim Riggleman's sudden resignation as the manager of the Washington Nationals. In it, he reiterated many of the things he said earlier, saying he felt Riggleman put his own interests in front of the teams'.
"I talked to Jim before the season and have emphasized since that no decision would be made on his extension until after the end of the season. I am surprised and disappointed, personally, and am even more disappointed for our players and fans. I was always taught that one of the cardinal rules of baseball was that no individual can put his interests before those of the team.
"Obviously, his resignation comes when all our attentions should be directed toward the field and the impressive performances of our players over the past two weeks, winning 11 of the last 12 games. I met with players immediately after the game and asked that they not allow Jim's decision to distract them from goals we established before the season.
Rizzo reiterated his disappointment in Riggleman's decision and said he was unwilling to meet his demands.