The Chicago Cubs were dead serious in finding the Cubs fan who was viewed during a broadcast playing to a camera by flashing an upside-down OK sign that has turned from being the “circle game” to connected to white supremacists.
The franchise has sicne tracked down that fan and have effectively banned him from ever attending a game at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs Issued this strong statement on the matter:
Statement from Crane Kenney on Conclusion of May 7 On-Air Broadcast Incident Investigation:
We have investigated the incident that occurred at Wrigley Field on May 7, 2019, where an individual was observed on camera using an offensive hand gesture that is associated with racism. The long-standing Chicago Cubs Guest Code of Conduct is in place to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment for all fans and prohibits unacceptable behavior. After a review of last night’s broadcast footage, we concluded this individual’s actions violated the Guest Code of Conduct.
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, effectively immediately, he will not be permitted on the grounds of Wrigley Field or other ticketed areas indefinitely. 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.
We are not disclosing the name of the individual to the general public and will not be making any further comment on the matter.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein delivered an even stronger statement on the matter:
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“It gave me shivers to watch that, to see that take place at Wrigley Field. Appropriately, we’ve made clear how egregious and unacceptable that behavior is, and there’s no place for that in society, in baseball, and Wrigley Field.
“The person responsible for that gesture will never be welcomed back at Wrigley Field,” he added.
For the people who tried to state this had been the “circle game” for years, that notion was dismissed by a Cubs spokesman:
“It doesn’t matter either way,”said Cubs spokesman Julian Green.
“This was bad judgment on the part of the individual. Whether sophomoric behavior or some other stunt, to use that in connection with a respected journalist, who happens to be African American, and doing his job to deliver enjoyment to our fans is ignorant. It has no place at Wrigley Field.”
