A Chicago Cubs fan who smacked a younger man that did not stand for ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is speaking out after a video of the incident went viral.
The video drew strong and divided reactions on social media – with public opinion split on the actions of the elder gentlemen.
Now, the older fan – Robert Chavez – is recalling the incident, which happened during the 10-1 win against the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field on Sunday.
Chavez recounted his story to multiple outlets, including TMZ and Inside Edition, to explain his side of the events. He also claims that there’s an important element of the story that is missing.
In the video, Chavez is seen yelling at the younger man – who was not identified – for his refusal to rise out of his seat.
‘I was telling him, “Please stand up”, you know, “have some respect”,’ Chavez told Inside Edition.
A Chicago Cubs fan is speaking out after video captured him striking another fan in the back of the head for his refusal to stand for the national anthem before a game at Wrigley Field
Robert Chavez says he regrets hitting the younger fan, but said the two made up
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Should respect for the anthem ever justify physical confrontation at a public event?
After the younger man didn’t comply with Chavez’s demands, he was hit in the head by the senior.
He continued to bark at the younger man – as well as others who were stunned by his actions and looked to defend the recipient of the smack.
Chavez told TMZ that he informed the young man of his status as a veteran of the Vietnam War, and even rattled him with some stories from the conflict – all to no avail.
But looking back on the incident, Chavez admitted that he shouldn’t have resorted to physical violence.
Before the slap, the older man had leaned over the young man to demand he stands up
‘Oh yes, definitely. I wish I could,’ he told Inside Edition when asked if he wanted to take back the slap.
‘Because, you know, even though I fought in Vietnam and I had buddies killed, you know, I mean, we fight for the rights of the people, and that’s one of his rights.’
Chavez then added: ‘Later on, during the game, next thing you know, he’s buying me a beer. We talked, we shook hands.’
In a statement to TMZ, the Cubs said, ‘The National Anthem is an important tradition at Chicago Cubs games. 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 say they encourage all fans to stand for the anthem but they ‘respect the rights of individuals to decide for themselves’
The slap sparked a debate online over the older gentleman’s actions and their justification
The statement continued: ‘At the same time, the safety and security of our fans is our top priority. 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.’
