Yes, George Brett threatened to shoot a guy. Can you blame him?

So, yeah. George Brett really does threaten to kill a guy in this video:

Here’s the thing, though: You know Brett’s not stupid enough to actually kill a guy, but you can understand why he would fantasize about killing this guy, who’s essentially been stalking Brett for autographs. From a local story:

KCTV5 attempted to speak with Brett Wednesday night. Toby Cook, spokesman for the Royals, said Brett regrets using a poor choice of words and the tone of the encounter. He said Brett was tired from his flight.

However, Cook said Brett does not regret the message. Brett claims that the autograph hound has gotten numerous autographs from the Royals great, which the fan has then sold, and Brett is tired of the man’s relentless demands and behavior. Brett just wants the man to leave him alone.

It’s more difficult to reach athletes than it used to be, because they have private entrances to stadiums and they live in gated communities and all the rest. When I was a kid, I just knocked on Tom Burgmeier’s door and asked him for an autograph -- he lived in my middle-class neighborhood -- and he seemed happy enough to give me one. That sort of things doesn’t happen any more. On the other hand, eBay has made it exceptionally easy for anyone to sell anything, which creates a financial incentive for goofballs like this guy to pester people like George Brett unmercifully.

A couple of years ago, I found myself standing right next to Brett in a subway car in New York. He was with a few friends. The car was filled with Yankees fans, and many of them knew exactly who he was. Nobody said a word. I suspect that the great majority of people who recognize George Brett leave him alone, or just smile and say hello. But it takes just one asshole to ruin your day.