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The baseball fan caught on camera slapping another spectator for sitting during the national anthem has spoken out.
Robert "Bob" Chavez went viral after footage showed him confronting a younger fan before a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
In the clip, Chavez repeatedly asked a younger fan to stand while the Star-Spangled Banner was playing.
After the man remained seated, Chavez was seen hitting him on the back of the head before the younger fan eventually stood.
The footage quickly went viral, with reactions split over both Chavez's actions and whether fans should be expected to stand during the anthem.
One person described Chavez as an "absolute patriot," while another wrote: "As much as I agree with the older gentleman…we don't hit other people."
A third commenter said: "Respect for the anthem should never come [through] violence."
Speaking to Inside Edition, Chavez said his experiences serving in Vietnam influenced his emotional reaction.
"I was telling him, 'Please stand up,' you know, 'have some respect,'" he said.
However, he admitted he regretted striking the fan. "Because even though I fought in Vietnam and I had buddies killed, we fight for the rights of the people, and that's one of his rights."
Chavez added that if he had the chance, he would take back the slap.
The viral video ended before showing what happened next, but Chavez said the encounter ultimately ended on friendly terms.
"Later on, during the game, next thing you know, he's buying me a beer," Chavez recalled. "We talked, we shook hands...I overreacted. I could have handled it better, I wish I would have...But my feelings are the same, people should stand."
According to TMZ, security staff responded to the incident, but the younger fan reportedly asked that Chavez not be removed from the stadium.
The Chicago Cubs later confirmed that security officers spoke with the fan who had been hit.
In a statement, the team said: "The National Anthem is an important tradition at Chicago Cubs games."
It continued: "While we respect the rights of individuals to decide for themselves, we encourage every fan to stand, if they are able, and to remove their caps while the anthem is being played."
The Cubs added that fan safety remained their priority: "At the same time, the safety and security of our fans is our top priority. We expect all guests to treat one another with respect and to follow our Fan Code of Conduct, which prohibits physical confrontations and threatening behavior."
The statement concluded: "Our security team spoke with the fan who had been struck. He indicated that the matter had been resolved, he did not want to have anyone ejected from the ballpark or any further action taken, and we respected his wishes."
NBC also reported that Chicago police said officers were never called to Wrigley Field and that no police report was filed over the incident.
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It was a bad night at the ballpark for one baseball fan on Tuesday night, after they were "shocked" by the response they got from a security guard.
During the game between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, the Reds fan rushed the field at the Great American Ballpark. Check out the dramatic moment below:
After pulling off a rather impressive backflip during a break in play in the ninth inning, the fan attempted to flee a pursuing security guard - but, unfortunately for him, he didn't get far enough.
After eventually being tased and detained, the overzealous fan has been identified as 19-year-old William Hendon.
Footage of Hendon being taken down swiftly went viral on a number of social media platforms, including Reddit, where users were quick to share their thoughts on the matter. "Getting tased does not look fun," one person wrote.
"People are desperate for attention," another said. "I imagine social media was somehow involved, either having a buddy film it in hopes of posting it on YouTube or just hoping to brag on Facebook bout it later."
Others highlighted how, given the increase in threats made to players on social media, it was no surprise the security guard took a no-nonsense approach to Hendon running the field.
Hendon later went on to appear in court for his actions -- even having the gall to wear his Reds jersey.
To make matters even worse for Hendon, Cincinnati fell 5-3 at home to the Guardians and dropped to 32-35 overall this season. Meanwhile, Cleveland improved to 43-22 on an electric night at the ballpark.
Not exactly results worth backflipping over... nevertheless, he's now a social media sensation.
On Monday this week, what was meant to be a celebration of Latinx heritage was marred by scenes in the Wrigley Field bleachers. A fight broke out during a Hispanic Heritage Night baseball game, with racial slurs shouted at Hispanic fans at the conclusion of the Chicago Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Pirates.
The incident was partially caught on film and shared on Twitter by Danny Rockett, who hosts a podcast about the Cubs team. It's unclear what exactly caused the fight from the video, but witnesses reportedly claimed that the men had been shouting racial slurs at the Hispanic men and women during the 7th inning. Though security initially broke up the argument, tempers soon ran high once again.
In the first of the two videos, a man can be heard swearing and seemingly shouting a racial slur about Hispanic women, prompting further fighting. In the second video, a man can clearly be heard shouting further racial slurs. While this man, who appears to be an Indiana National Guard member, claims that another man "threw the first punch," he can be seen repeatedly punching another in the face during the brawl, and continues to provoke the other group after the fight is broken up.
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After the Hispanic fans were escorted away, this man has an angry reaction to being filmed by Rockett.
"Don't record me," he says, before lurching towards the phone, while security staff (in red shirts) claim that they are not allowed to record on "private property". Before the video ends, someone off-screen can be heard saying that "if my unit sees that, I'm dead".
Security guards eventually break up the fight and usher the Hispanic fans away from the bleachers. As they are led away, one of the fans accused the security of "taking the white people's side", and a woman tearfully points at the security, stating that they will "never know what it feels like".
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The Indiana National Guard didn't confirm who the member caught on film is, but did release a statement to the Chicago Sun Times:
"The statements made by this individual are not in keeping with the Army Values, and they do not reflect the views or beliefs of the United States Armed Forces, and specifically, the Indiana National Guard. We take these types of situations very seriously, and the conduct of this individual is unbecoming of a service member."
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A Cubs spokesman later added that security were "incorrect" to say that Rockett was not allowed to film, and denied that they took sides in the event.
"We don’t know the nature of what caused the fight, but both parties were escorted out," they said. "[The Cubs] have zero tolerance against fighting and insensitive language and behaviour. Both parties were informed by police and security that they are not welcomed back to the stadium for 2018."
MLB fans have been left disappointed after finding out the punishment that has been given to the New York Yankees fans involved in an ugly interaction during a recent game.
The startling scene unfolded during Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night when two New York Yankees fans allegedly interfered with Dodgers star Mookie Betts, sparking widespread backlash.
The incident occurred in the first inning, with the Yankees trailing the Dodgers 2-0. Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres launched a fly ball toward right field, prompting Betts to position himself for a routine catch.
However, as Betts reached over the wall to complete the play, two Yankees fans got up from the stands, disrupting his attempt by grabbing him by the wrist.
According to eyewitnesses, one fan — wearing a Mariano Rivera jersey — reportedly grabbed Betts’ glove, while another, in an Aaron Judge jersey, held onto Betts' wrist, preventing him from moving freely.
The interference resulted in Torres being called out, and the two fans were promptly escorted from the stadium amid loud boos.
As security removed the two men from the stadium, they were seen exchanging high-fives with other Yankees fans.
ESPN identified one of the fans as Yankees season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco, who had attended the game with a friend.
The pair allegedly discussed in advance how they might react if a ball came near them, saying: “We always joke about the ball in our area.
"We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
The Yankees issued a statement regarding the incident, revealing the punishment the men will face.
It read: “Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.
“The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity; however, the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
The Yankees confirmed that the fans could not attend Game 5, per MLB.
In a statement, the Yankees further announced that the fans’ tickets for Game 5, along with additional tickets in the same section, had been reallocated to a 15-year-old pediatric cancer patient and his family.
Calvin Young, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, attended the game with his mother and two brothers, marking the family’s first postseason experience at Yankee Stadium.
Young was previously invited to a Yankees “Kids Only” press conference on September 13, featuring MLB stars Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Rizzo, Jose Trevino, and Marcus Stroman.
However, due to illness, Young was unable to attend, requiring hospitalization and surgery soon after.
Fans have expressed their disappointment that the two fans were not given a harsher punishment for potentially putting Betts at risk of injury with their actions.
One wrote: "That baseball player could have sustained major injuries. These guys should be prosecuted for assault if nothing else. It is easy to injury one wrists."
Others added: "They should be banned for life and charges would be filed . They could have broken his wrist," and: "What an insult. That is the type of fan that should never be [allowed] in the crowd. They could have ruined his career. It was violent."
Another commented: "That's terrible. They need to banned for life...how is what they did remotely tolerable?"
Michael Strahan has spoken out as he appeared to lash out at a reporter after being questioned about his national anthem controversy.
On Sunday (November 10), the Fox network honored Veteran’s Day during its NFL Sunday Football broadcast.
During the segment, a marching band played the national anthem, 'Star-Spangled Banner,' as the network's commentators stood in a line and placed a hand over their hearts as a sign of respect.
Watch the moment below:
As the camera panned, it landed on the Good Morning America anchor, who was seen with his arms folded across the lower half of his body.
Many people took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam Strahan for being “disrespectful” toward those who have served in the US military.
One user shared a video of the broadcast and penned in the caption: "What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool."
"I’m sorry.. @michaelstrahan if you can’t be bothered to put your hand over your heart for the National Anthem WHILE WITH THE MILITARY. You don’t deserve to be on TV. Instead of being disrespectful, you could have waited off camera!" a second blasted.
A third commented: "What’s up with that! No hand on heart! You’ve got to be kidding! Do better @michaelstrahan!"
The TV host was questioned about the furor surrounding him not holding his hand over his heart by a journalist waiting outside of his New York City home on Tuesday (November 12).
In a video obtained by the Daily Mail, an outraged Strahan can be seen grabbing the reporter's phone and repeatedly saying: “Don’t come to my house,” before he allegedly tossed the device.
Watch the video below:
At first, the 52-year-old did not address the controversy and instead chose to share a picture of his “hero” father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., who served in the army for 23 years, on his Instagram.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure,” he captioned the pictures.
But last night, Strahan finally spoke up, expressing regret over his clash with the journalist, and explained why he didn't cover his heart.
"Everybody it's Michael here, and I wanna address what happened this past weekend,' he said in the video, adding that he's "not proud of the way" he handled that whole situation with the reporter.
He then went on to state what caused his viral moment, admitting he was too busy admiring the US Navy in attendance before realizing his mistake.
"I'll tell you the truth... it's that I was caught up in the moment," he explained. "I'm looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played and I'm thinking to myself, 'How incredible to be that young and to know that you wanna do this. It's such a commitment but you're willing to commit to something that gives us our freedoms.'
"And by the time I looked up from that moment, all my five guys had their hands over their hearts, the national anthem's playing... I somewhat panic and I'm like, 'Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after [the anthem starts]? Or do I just stand here with my hands in front of me respectfully?' And that's what I did. That's what happened," he added.
The anchor apologized for "offending any of our military and veterans" on Veterans Day because that was not his "intent", and emphasized that he was a "product of the military, a proud lover of the military and a proud lover of who served before, now and who will serve in the future".
He concluded that the "only statement" that he wants to make is that he "loves the military".
Anyone who’s ever sat through a baseball game knows that the match itself is probably the least important thing going on in the stadium. If baseball was really about waiting 10 minutes for a paunchy batter to swing like an axe murderer, completely miss, and stomp off the field, literally no one would bother turning up. It’s impossible to overstate just how much the spectacle is enhanced by both the potential for onfield fighting and alcohol, the latter of which is quite rightly seen by most as utterly indispensable.
This hierarchy was highlighted this week by one heroic fan who, in the ultimate act of alcohol-driven self-sacrifice, proved just how far baseball spectators will go in order to view the game through a beer-induced haze.
Watch his incredible effort below:
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Instead of attempting to catch a ball struck high into the crowd, a Washington Nationals supporter - later identified as one Jeff Adams - elected to put beer above personal safety, wearing the shot straight in the gut, rather than risk spilling either one of the two Bud Lights he was holding.
As the crowd drew breath, Adams staggered back. But, despite the blow, the beer remained intact. For this fan at least, the next few hours would remain bearable.
Twitter user Corbet Sandvick commented on Adam's efforts, saying: "Catch a World Series home run or drop a beer? I think this guy has his priorities straight."
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The incident, which occurred at the start of the second innings, soon had viewers around the world hailing the Nationals supporter as a baseball luminary. Twitter was almost immediately awash with networks and individuals alike hailing him for his refusal to flinch in the face of adversity.
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Fox Sports dubbed him a “legend”, whilst an intrepid ABC reporter plunged into the crowd to grab an exclusive interview. Very rarely has a man being hit by a ball captured the zeitgeist so effectively.
Watch as a Minnesotan catches a baseball, chugs a beer, and becomes a viral legend:
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In his interview with ABC’s Victoria Sanchez, Adams was surprisingly humble. Instead of puffing out his chest, he simply credited his “lucky 15-year-old-hat” for the ball not ending up in his beer.
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