After investigating an apparent racial slur yelled by one of its fans, the Colorado Rockies said Monday that the fan was shouting to get the attention of the club's mascot, Dinger, rather than an offensive epithet.
The Rockies interviewed a fan that a camera appeared to capture gesturing and yelling at the same time what appeared to be a slur directed at Miami Marlins batter Lewis Brinson that was audible on a Bally Sports feed of Sunday's game, according to a person with direct knowledge of the investigation. The club also spoke to a fan sitting nearby who contacted the club independently and said the fan was shouting at the mascot, and not a slur.
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The episode occurred in the top of the ninth inning of Sunday's game, won by the Rockies 13-8. Brinson had two hits and two RBI in the game.
Brinson, nor anyone on the field, did not hear the shouts at the time they happened, according to the Marlins.
“After a thorough investigation that included calls, emails and video clips from concerned fans, media and broadcast partners, the Colorado Rockies have concluded that the fan was indeed yelling for Rockies mascot Dinger in hopes of getting his attention for a photo, and there was never any racial slur that occurred," the Rockies said in a statement released Monday.
"The Rockies remain dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all fans, players and guests at Coors Field, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be ejected from Coors Field.”
Major League Baseball has assisted the Rockies in the investigation and been in contact with the club, according to a baseball official with knowledge of the investigation who requested anonymity due to the sensitive subject matter.
After video of the broadcast clip circulated on social media, the Rockies released a statement condemning the apparent slur, saying the club was "disgusted by the racial slur by a fan directed at the Marlins' Lewis Brinson." MLB Players' Association executive director Tony Clark also released a statement condemning the apparent slur.
The Marlins are in San Francisco Monday to begin a three-game series. Brinson is scheduled to address the news media on Monday.
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