Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray faces pine tar allegations after viral neck images in playoff loss

Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray faced cheating allegations after images of a substance on his neck went viral during Boston's Game 2 playoff loss to the New York Yankees. Fans speculated the substance was pine tar, with media outlet Jomboy releasing a video accusing Gray of using sticky stuff. Gray, a 36-year-old veteran possibly nearing retirement, never addressed the substance, and umpires did not investigate during the game. The Red Sox were eliminated in the Wild Card Series after two straight losses. Gray was pulled after 70 pitches, and the bullpen subsequently surrendered runs, compounding the team's disappointing postseason exit.