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.
I have talked to the #Rockies, who investigated the incident, tracked the fan, talked to #Markins Lewis Brinson. And as many of you and #9NEWS has reported, the fan was yelling for mascot “Dinger.” Apologies come from the club, which also thought it hears the insult. And from…
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) August 9, 2021
… me for casting aspersions on the fan base and stadium worker. The team also tracked video and audio from both broadcasts, even talked to season ticket holders, the fan and his wife. I am happy for the conclusion.
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) August 9, 2021
Here’s the video by the way. I’ve highlighted both the fan and Dinger in the the first clip, then zoomed in on the fan in the second clip. And Dinger in the third. pic.twitter.com/ul14jQjavx
— Steve Staeger (@SteveStaeger) August 9, 2021
It sounds like the fellow in Denver may have been yelling “Dinger,” not what folks originally heard, at least to many who listen. MLB has been looking into it but so far no one nearby said they heard a racial epithet. So that may actually be positive news. https://t.co/VQyQYp7hg3
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 9, 2021
Rockies: Fan yelled ‘Dinger,’ not racial slur at Lewis Brinson https://t.co/nBXMrtouNI pic.twitter.com/VErOr2KgZL
— Gwinnett Daily Post (@GDPsports) August 9, 2021
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A statement from the Colorado Rockies regarding the racial slur incident at the end of today’s game: pic.twitter.com/85uN3f1pFZ
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) August 9, 2021
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.
This is real. pic.twitter.com/gMp8MEPb46
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 10, 2020
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.
