A Chicago Cubs’ fan flashed a hate sign behind Doug Glanville, an African American reporter for NBC Sports Chicago, during the Cubs game against the Miami Marlins. Glanville is a former Chicago Cub player. In response, the Chicago Cubs banned the fan for life. That’s right, the man who flashed the white power sign is banned for the rest of his natural life.
Source: WGN News
Kudos to the Chicago Cubs who had the bravery to take a stand and do what is right. When many major league teams and leagues shrug off taking action or waver on the “thin line” between increasing revenue and staying true to their values, the Cubs took the high road and followed their values:
- To play championship baseball with players whose performance on and off the field reflect the character of the Cubs organization and the City of Chicago.
- To preserve the beauty, charm and traditions of Wrigley Field, while enhancing the fan experience and keeping the ballpark competitive.
- To be a creative and responsive business partner for our sponsors, affiliates and media partners.
- To market the ball club to our worldwide fan base and reflect through our organizational hiring, the diverse nature of our business and fans.
- To work with our neighbors to keep Wrigleyville an extraordinary and friendly place to conduct business and live.
- To be active participants in and contribute positively to the City of Chicago and those in our community.
Theo Epstein, president of the Chicago Cubs, made it his mission when taking over to make sure the focus was on effective leadership, character, culture and chemistry in the workplace.
Interesting, too, that the President of the United States has not commented on the Cubs’ moral character. Nor, has P.O.T.U.S. condemned the actions of the fan. Perhaps, Trump has realized if he does not want athletes to speak on political matters then he should not comment on sports matters. Or, maybe, the President is starting to learn that he has turned this country upside down with his rhetoric describing neo-nazis, Klan members and others who spread hate as good people. Many folks have grown tired of the antics of hatred and the Cubs’ actions showed what character and respect of culture can do. The next time a fan wishes to act in a discriminatory fashion they will think twice knowing he will be held accountable for unacceptable behavior.
Which is why Trump’s silence is timely in this matter. In a time when Trump typically has taken to social media to comment on athletes’ activism, his silence speaks volumes and the Cubs’ actions reflect the true goodness of people in this country. . Anyone doesn’t think the Cubs did the right thing may want to re-watch the movie, Mississippi Burning.
That is the same symbol flashed by the Cubs’ fan and the same symbol flashed by the Jasper, Alabama police who were suspended.
