Sports fans using racial slurs and offensive language toward professional athletes has been a hot topic over the course of the 2018-2019 sport season. The Chicago Cubs have launched an investigation into a fan using "what appeared to be an offensive hand gesture associated with racism" behind a Black reporter, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
A game-goer reportedly made an offensive gesture while Doug Glanville was reporting for NBC Sports Chicago during Tuesday night's game between the Miami Marlins and the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney released a statement in the wake of the incident.
"Such ignorant and repulsive behavior is not tolerated at Wrigley Field. We are reviewing the incident thoroughly because no one should be subjected to this type of offensive behavior," Kenney said.
He also elaborated on consequences for Cubs fans who engage in racial slurs and offensive gestures. "Any individual behaving in this manner will not only be removed from the ballpark, but will be permanently banned from Wrigley Field."
Glanville, who played three seasons for the Cubs as an outfielder, has yet to publicly address the incident.
This is only the latest occurrence of racially offensive slurs and gestures being used against professional athletes.
Russell Westbrook engaged in a heated exchange with a Utah Jazz fan, who he accused of using racial slurs. The fan was issued a lifetime ban from the Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Boston Celtics reacted similarly after a fan called DeMarcus Cousins the N-word earlier this year. The fan received a two-year ban from the team's sporting events.
