Reds’ Davis: Schott Didn’t Call or Care

Eric Davis is still in pain, he says, not only from a kidney injury suffered during the World Series, but from being snubbed by Cincinnati Red owner Marge Schott.

The outfielder returned home on a rented jet Friday night from Oakland, where he had been hospitalized since bruising and puncturing his right kidney while diving to make a catch in the final game of the World Series. The Reds won the game over the Oakland Athletics, 2-1, completing a Series sweep.

When Davis stepped off the private jet, he grimaced in pain, then flashed a thumbs-up sign to the media before boarding an ambulance for Christ Hospital.

But at a news conference at the hospital, Davis complained that Schott “put forth no caring or effort” during his six days in Merritt Peralta Medical Center in Oakland and failed to return his phone calls to discuss his condition. He also said that Schott forced him to rent the plane to make the flight home.

“If I were a dog, I would have gotten more care, and that’s the truth,” he said.

Schott told The Cincinnati Post she was out of town on business Thursday and could not return Davis’ call. She said his transportation was a matter to be settled by General Manager Bob Quinn and Davis’ agent.