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Black youth baseball player was NOT the victim of racism when he was seen having his head covered with cotton by teammates at the Little League World Series, officials say
- An African-American little leaguer was seen having his head covered with cotton
- This occurred at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Officials say the boy’s mother assured them there was no ill-intent by teammates
- Other images showed that a white player also had his head covered with cotton
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The Little League World Series did not find any ill-intent by players who were seen covering an African-American teammate’s head with what appeared to be cotton during Sunday’s action.
ESPN cameras captured the scene from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, sparking calls of racism from viewers, who were shocked to see an apparent reference to slavery. However, on Tuesday, Little League World Series officials released a statement, saying they did not find any malicious racism, adding that the players’ mother assured them that there was no ill-intent.
‘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,’ read an organization statement. ‘As only one player appeared on the broadcast, Little League International understands that the actions shown could be perceived as racially insensitive. 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.’
A Davenport, Iowa, Little League team was seen on national live TV putting cotton in their black teammate’s hair on Sunday night. The child in question did not look impressed
Subsequent images from the incident showed that a white player also had his head covered with the white stuffing, which was reportedly removed from toys.
That team, which is from Davenport, Iowa, fell to Texas, 4-0, on Tuesday.
Many on social media were outraged over what they had witnessed, particularly because the child at the center of the display appeared to be humiliated.
‘This kids parents need to have a serious talk with him. You don’t allow people to treat you like a mascot,’ wrote one Twitter user.
‘Hey @MLB – you want more Black kids in the game, but this is what happens when they play America’s pastime,’ added another.
‘What year is it ffs’, tweeted media personality Brandon Warne, while Trev Vanzant described is as ‘such a specific act of evil.’
‘The Iowa team needs to be suspended for a year,’ demanded one follower of the game.