[KootenayFlamesFan]

Jose Bautista has refused to do one-on-one interviews with Sportsnet for the past three months in protest of the broadcaster’s refusal to pay the cost of a designer suit purchased by rookie Devon Travis as part of a TV segment aired on Sportsnet on May 19.

Bautista declined to comment when approached about the issue last week, but confirmed the Star’s understanding of the conflict.

Bautista, a six-time all-star who has played in Toronto since 2008, has told Sportsnet executives he will not do any interviews until Travis is reimbursed for the cost of the suit or he is given a gift certificate from Gotstyle, the men’s clothier featured in the segment.

Bautista believes Sportsnet took advantage of Travis — since it was the network’s idea to do the suit-buying special — and that he needs to stand up for his rookie teammate, who is unable to stand up for himself given his lower-echelon status in the league and with his new team.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/blueja...sportsnet.html