Can Kiké Hernandez get in trouble for dropping an F-bomb on live TV? – NBC Los Angeles

It was the F-bomb heard throughout the baseball world.

After the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 2-0 on Friday night to advance to the NLCS, Dodgers third baseman Kiké Hernandez sat down for an interview with Ken Rosenthal after the game. And one of his answers wasn't exactly family-friendly.

When asked what was different about this year's Dodgers team, Hernandez first asked Rosenthal if they were live. Rosenthal replied, “Yes,” and then Hernandez responded, “The fact that we don’t give a shit.”

Then the interview ended.

After dropping one of George Carlin's seven banned words on live television, could Hernandez be fined or suspended by the MLB or the Federal Communications Commission? What about the network that aired the profanity, Fox?

Let's take a closer look:

Can Kiké Hernandez be punished for his F-bomb?

Technically, MLB can penalize a player for any conduct that is “not in the best interest” of baseball. However, there is no modern precedent for a player being fined for simply saying the F-word.

Additionally, the FCC does not penalize people who violate federal laws that prohibit certain profanity on television.

Can Fox get in trouble for airing the F-bomb?

Yes.

According to the FCC, the use of vulgar language that is considered “grossly offensive” and public nuisance on broadcast may result in a reprimand/warning, a fine, or revocation of the station's license. The latter won't happen in this case, but Fox could face a warning or fine from the FCC for hearing the F-bomb on its airwaves.