White players were seen covering a Black teammate’s head with cotton at the Little League World Series, but league officials claimed Monday the admittedly “racially insensitive” optics weren’t what they seemed. (Watch the video below.)
Here’s video from the broadcast: pic.twitter.com/CTUJ2hVg2A
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 22, 2022
The incident, shared on Twitter by HuffPost’s Philip Lewis, unfolded during the Major League Red Sox vs. Orioles Little League Classic game Sunday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the Little League World Series is played.
ESPN cameras focused on members of the Davenport, Iowa, team ripping stuffing out of giveaway toys and sticking it on the Black player’s head.
“That’s just Little Leaguers being Little Leaguers,” one announcer said.
Social media lit up with complaints. Little League International officials investigated and said they concluded “there was no ill intent.”
History is literally repeating itself and not the good kind either.. just seen a video of a black kid on a little league baseball team just sittin down while most of his teammates (YT) are just picking apart a stuff bear, placing the cotton from inside the bear on to his head smh
— Goku Blvck 😈 (@KyngTyler) August 23, 2022
Little League’s Official Statement on the broadcast below: https://t.co/ljgDuh2QaL pic.twitter.com/3LlruOuQRD
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 22, 2022
“During the broadcast of the MLB Little League Classic, a Midwest player was shown with filling from a stuffed animal given away at the game on his head,” officials said in a statement. “After speaking with the team, as well as reviewing photos, multiple players on the Midwest region team were taking part in this while enjoying the game.”
“As only one player appeared on the broadcast, Little League International understands the actions could be perceived as racially insensitive,” the league statement continued. “We have spoken with the player’s mother and the coaches, who have assured us that there was no ill-intent behind the action shown during the broadcast.”
Darren M. Haynes, sports anchor at WUSA9, mentioned the statement Monday but still had pointed words about the incident.
“To be honest, I believe the kids were not trying to be racist,” he said. “They just didn’t know what they were doing was racist. But let this serve as a reminder why education is the best tool for tackling racism and discrimination so I don’t have to keep talking talk about senseless acts like this anymore on TV.”
The Davenport team is scheduled to play against Pearland, Texas, Tuesday evening.
Discover more from Next Gen News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Never should have happened even if they were just playing that’s no joke . The little guy looked uncomfortable and scared to say anything. #Not Good
It’s not racially motivated if all parties involved do not perceive it to be. It’s outsiders who are pushing the “race” comment. The kids were only playing around….all of them.
Don be so quick to yell “racism”.
If we leave the kids to be together, without adults ruining it, it would be a nicer world.
That is hateful. Where was the coach of that team? He needed to and should have stopped them and then kick them off of the team.
Did anyone interview the kids to find out the truth???????? Seems like they were having fun with a friend.