Photo courtesy of the Bleacher Report/ Twitter.
A Colorado Rockies’ fan thought to have screamed the n-word at Miami Marlins’ outfielder Lewis Brinson was actually yelling for the team mascot, Dinger, according to TMZ Sports. The Miami Marlins played against the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 8 at Coors Field in Denver.
None of the Marlins, including Lewis, heard the supposed racial slur during the game. However, the Associated Press reports that it was
heard during a televised replay of the game over the microphones, according to Jason Latimer, a spokesman for the Miami Marlins.“Neither Lewis, nor any other Marlins on the field or in the dugout, heard what was shouted,” he said. “We brought the matter to the attention of the Rockies. How the matter is being handled, I would have to defer to them.”
As Brinson came up to bat, a man can be heard yelling what sounded like the n-word. News of the racial slur traveled fast, but after an investigation, it was determined that the fan was yelling for the Colorado Rockies’ mascot, Dinger. Apparently, the fan was with his wife and grandchildren at the game and wanted a picture with the mascot. The fan is seen pointing in the direction of Dinger and not Brinson as he shouts.
We are glad that it turned out not to be a racial slur this time. However, the racism athletes have to deal with is very real and happens often. Former Boston Red Sox player Torii Hunter told ESPN in 2020 that he had been called the racial slur at least 100 times at Fenway Park, and the team cosigned his statement.
Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB players’ union, noted the bigotry players are subjected to.
“It is a painful reality that progress continues to be elusive in a world where ignorance and bigotry remain all too commonplace,” said Clark.
“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,” Clark said.