Marlins dismiss Burnett prior to 4-0 loss to Nationals.

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service)

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COPYRIGHT 2005 South Florida Sun-Sentinal

Byline: Randall Mell

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. _ A.J. Burnett said he wanted a pat on the back.

Instead, Marlins manager Jack McKeon gave him a swift kick in the butt.

McKeon booted Burnett out the locker room door before Monday's 4-0 loss to the Washington Nationals and right off the roster.

A day after Burnett's tirade, in which he accused McKeon's staff of managing scared and creating a depressing and negative atmosphere, Burnett was informed that his services will no longer be needed this year. He also was told that he will not receive a multi-year contract offer from the team when he becomes a free agent at season's end.

Burnett (12-12), who lost his career-worst sixth consecutive decision Sunday at Atlanta, complained that the...

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