Bryce Harper disrespected the entire Nationals fanbase with a comment about how he wished he started his career with the Phillies instead.
Bryce Harper spent the first seven years of his career with the Washington Nationals, garnering an MVP, Rookie of the Year Award and six All-Star nods along the way.
Yet with one careless comment, he disregarded the most successful stretch of his time in MLB.
The Phillies star was waxing poetic about how much he loves the fans in Philadelphia when he sent a stray in the direction of Washington.
"I absolutely freaking love it. I don't want to play anywhere else," Harper said. "I wish I started my career here."
As you can imagine, Nationals fans did not take kindly to that snippet.
Nationals fans blast Bryce Harper over comment about start of career
Harper did leave Washington after the 2018 season, signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. Funnily enough, he slipped up at his opening press conference in Philadelphia, saying he wanted "to bring a title back to D.C."
The fact that the Nationals won the 2019 World Series without him was not lost on anyone.
Harper is in his fifth season in Philadelphia and there's still some acrimony between him and Washington fans, obviously.
It also just so happens that the Phillies are playing the Nationals in a series starting on Monday. It's in Philadelphia though, so the fireworks may have to wait until Aug. 18 when the Phillies head to Washington.
Harper won a second MVP award in 2021 but the Phillies missed the playoffs in his first three seasons with the team. Last year, he led Philly to a World Series appearance, ultimately losing to the Astros.
The Phillies are coming off series wins over the Marlins and Royals. The Nationals are on a four-game winning streak with series wins over the Brewers and Reds.
