The Colorado Rockies announced Sunday they would launch an investigation after a fan was overheard yelling what was believed to be a racial slur at Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson.
Miami’s television broadcast picked up a fan yelling what was believed to be the N-word while Brinson, who is Black, was at the plate in the ninth inning of the Rockies’ 13-8 win.
The Marlins said in a statement to The Associated Press that neither Brinson nor any other Marlin heard the comment.
After reviewing footage from Colorado’s broadcast and interviewing the fan Monday, the team determined the man sitting behind home plate was yelling “Dinger” — the Rockies’ mascot who was located down the third baseline.
On Sunday, the Rockies said in a statement they were “disgusted” by the act.
“Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident,” the team said. “The Rockies have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be ejected and banned from Coors Field.”
MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark said in a statement the comment was a “painful reality that progress continues to be elusive in a world where ignorance and bigotry remain all too commonplace.” He added that there is still work to be done when it comes to racial equality.
“We have to continue to work together to ensure that racism is never tolerated on or off the field,” Clark said.
Sorry you had to deal with a coward @LewisBrinson hold that head high as I know you will. Sucks when we always have to be the good guys!!
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) August 9, 2021
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