The US has been left stunned after a fan repeatedly shouted out racial slurs at an African American batter.
The Miami Marlins’ outfielder Lewis Brinson was up at bat with his side down 13-8 at the top of the ninth innings against the Colorado Rockies.
Watch live coverage every week of the MLB regular season with ESPN on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
He had just faced a pitch which hit the dirt when a person in the crowd shouted out the N-word multiple times clearly on the broadcast.
As it was a home game for the Rockies, the team released a statement after the match.
“The Colorado Rockies are disgusted at the racial slur by a fan directed at the Marlins’ Lewis Brinson during the ninth inning of today’s game,” the team said. “Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident.
“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.”
The Marlins also commented on the issue with Marlins spokesman Jason Latimer texting The Associated Press: “Neither Lewis, nor any other Marlins on the field or in the dugout, heard what was shouted. We brought the matter to the attention of the Rockies. How the matter is being handled, I would have to defer to them.”
But social media was quick to condemn the disgusting abuse, with many also turning the blowtorch on the Rockies and Coors Stadium for not identifying the fan.
The Chicago Sun Times’ Cubs beat reporter Russell Dorsey wrote: “What happened to Lewis Brinson today was disgusting. And the people who sat back and let someone say the n-word repeatedly at someone are just as guilty as the racist piece of s*** that said it.”
The Marlins’ play-by-play announcer Paul Severino tweeted: “I’m absolutely disgusted at the language that was picked up by the mics late in the game today.
“The level of hate that was displayed has no place in this world. Unfortunately it’s still far too prevalent. We need to be better. And soon.
“Awful.”
WARNING: Offensive language
Former All-Star first baseman and current player’s union head Tony Clark said it was a painful reminder of how prevalent racism still is in 2021.
“It is a painful reality that progress continues to be elusive in a world where ignorance and bigotry remain all too commonplace,” he said
“While many are truly committed to respect and equality for all, the abhorrent racial animus displayed today in one of our ballparks highlights that there is still much work to be done. We have to continue to work together to ensure that racism is never tolerated on or off the field.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
