The Chicago Cubs banned a fan from Wrigley Field “indefinitely” after he made a goofy “OK” hand gesture that may or may not be racist.
Ironically, it was at the same stadium where the team once celebrated with infamous mob boss Al Capone, who would sit in the front row with his son at games and chat up the players. The suspension also came the same day the Cubs welcomed back its star shortstop after a 40-game suspension for domestic abuse.
NBC Sports Chicago reporter Doug Glanville, who is black, was discussing the recent Marlins-Cubs game at the top of the third inning Tuesday when a fan in a Cubs hoodie first waived, then flashed a peace sign, then made an upside-down OK gesture with his hand from the stands behind the analyst, Deadspin reports.
The next day, Cubs president Crane Kenney released a statement condemning the “ignorant and repulsive behavior” and threatened to ban the unidentified fan for life. Kenney told a local radio station the team launched an investigation, and the team followed through on Kenney’s threat by officially banning the fan later Wednesday.
“After a review of last night’s broadcast footage, we concluded this individual’s actions violated the Guest Code of Conduct,” the Cubs wrote in a prepared statement.
“As a result, after repeated attempts to reach this individual by phone, we sent a letter to the individual notifying him of our findings and our decision that, effective immediately, he will not be permitted on the ground of Wrigley Field or other ticketed areas indefinitely,” it continued.
“We further communicated if he attempts to enter Wrigley Field or other ticketed areas he may be subject to prosecution for criminal trespass to property.”
The reason behind the ban is making the OK sign is “an offensive hand gesture that is associated with racism,” according to the statement.
The fan’s intent is unclear. The OK hand symbol is part of a gotcha game played by athletes and college bros that was co-opted by internet users on the site 4chan as a means of triggering the liberal media. The 4chan users started false rumors that the gesture is a symbol of white supremacy, though it was later adopted by actual racists, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Regardless, the indefinite ban is a far harsher treatment than it’s offered others who have disgraced Wrigley Field and soiled its reputation, including alleged murderers and wife beaters.
In the same front-row seating where the controversy unfolded this week, Chicago crime boss Al Capone once attended games with his son, Sonny, according to The Cubs Quotient, a book detailing the history of the organization.
Capone reportedly attended the games with high-profile politicians and numerous known murderers who worked as his enforcers, author Scott Rowan reports.
The indefinite ban also came on the same day the Cubs welcomed back one of the team’s top players after a 40-game suspension for credible allegations he abused his ex-wife. Addison Russell, an All Star shortstop, was booed by fans but accepted into the dugout by the Cubs despite his allegedly poor life decisions.
In summary, the big wigs at Wrigley Field can overlook minor indiscretions like assault and organized killings, but they have zero tolerance for allegedly racist finger gestures some might find offensive.
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.