Johnson’s First Day Is Eventful

Randy Johnson got a little physical on the way to his New York Yankees’ physical.

The Big Unit got into a confrontation on a Manhattan sidewalk with a television cameraman Monday, then apologized in a statement released later in the day.

Johnson passed all exams Monday, but the Yankees awaited results of blood and other tests that needed more time. Still, New York went ahead and scheduled a news conference for today to officially announce the trade. Johnson got a taste of how much attention star players can attract in New York. Walking along a Manhattan avenue, he put his arm up to block a camera from WCBS-TV after he left his hotel.

“Get out of my face, that’s all I ask,” Johnson said. “Don’t get in my face. I don’t care who you are. Don’t get in my face.”

“I’m just taking a picture,” said the cameraman, identified by the station as Vinny Everett.

Responded Johnson: “Don’t get in my face, and don’t talk back to me, all right.”

Johnson issued a statement through agent Alan Nero that was distributed by the Yankees.

“Regarding the unfortunate incident that happened this morning as I was on my way to take a physical, I hope that everyone will understand that the past few days have been a bit overwhelming and I wish I had handled the situation differently,” Johnson said. “I am very sorry it happened.”