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September 11, 2009
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the 7th-inning stretch...
The New York Yankees may have acknowledged that mandatory patriotism isn't such a hot idea, but don't tell that to their minor-league brethren across the river:
In a lawsuit filed last week in federal court in Newark, three Millburn High School students contend Newark Bears president and co-owner Thomas Cetnar berated them, cursed at them and then booted them from the ballpark after they failed to stand for the song during the seventh-inning stretch.
"Nobody sits during the singing of "God Bless America' in my stadium," Cetnar bellowed during the June 29 incident, according to the suit. "Now get the (expletive) out of here."
By "my" stadium Cetnar actually means "their" stadium: Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium was built and is owned by the city of Newark and Essex County. Cetnar, a former Newark police officer booted off the force after being convicted of embezzling drug buy money, has been a tenant there since buying into the bankrupt Bears franchise last fall.
Absolutely ridiculous. It's not the national anthem and not everyone believes in God. There is no reason anyone should have to stand or even pay attention during that song any more than they would during "Take me out to the ballgame."
Posted by Dan on September 11, 2009 07:57 PM
Driving past the Newark Bears stadium a couple of weeks ago, someone in the car asked if the team still plays there. "No," I said, "I think they went bankrupt."
Turns out I was wrong about the fiscal bankruptcy.
Turns out I was right about the moral bankruptcy.
Weird how the more super an American patriot, the more insecure and distrustful they are that America can withstand, and benefit from, dissent.
Won't be going to Bears games unless ownership shifts to someone who, y'know, loves this country.
Posted by Scott M.X. Turner on September 14, 2009 08:23 AM
"MY STADIUM"????? a typical response from those in the sports biz who confuse the use of a taxpayer funded facility as their personal property. fans, ownership and politicians have to be brought back to reality that their feeding at the public trough has to stop.
demand accountability from those involved!
AP and the Star-Ledger have picked up this story. As is typical of the Liberal Media they omit the juicy stuff about the ex-cop/Giuliani wannabe.
Posted by Chucky on September 17, 2009 06:13 PM