The Colorado Rockies’ investigation into a fan yelling a racial slur was completed Monday and found that the man was calling for the team’s mascot, Dinger, instead of using the N-word, according to multiple reports.
Dinger is a purple, polka-dotted dinosaur.
On Sunday, the Rockies released a statement that said they were “disgusted” by the audio of a fan yelling what appeared to be a racial slur toward Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson in the ninth inning of Colorado’s 13-8 win.
But after reviewing footage from Colorado’s broadcast and interviewing the fan, the team determined the man was indeed yelling “Dinger” — the Rockies’ mascot who was located down the third baseline. The man who yelled was sitting behind home plate, allowing microphones to pick up the audio on both teams’ broadcasts.
The team said Monday that fans who were seated nearby contacted the club in defense of the fan.
The club then contacted the fan, who explained it was just a big misunderstanding and that he was only trying to get the attention of Dinger, who was two sections over.
The Marlins said Brinson nor any other Miami player heard the comment.
The Rockies condemned the suspected conduct in a statement released Sunday night.
“The Colorado Rockies are disgusted at the racial slur by a fan directed at the Marlins’ Lewis Brinson during the ninth inning of today’s game,” the team said. “Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident.
“The Rockies have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be ejected and banned from Coors Field.”
Denver’s 9News first reported the news about the findings.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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