Since 1971 I’ve been a fan of sports from all the professional leagues, combat sports, golf and tennis, and college sports. But not once have I ever witnessed something as egregious in what took place at Yankee Stadium on October 29. Two fans, Austin Capobianco and John Peter were sitting in foul territory when Mookie Betts tried to field a fly ball. Capobianco proceeded to grab Betts by the forearm and Betts’ glove and yank the ball out his glove with the assistance of Peter.
It is one of the most bizarre and disgusting acts I’ve ever seen by a fan, aside from the day a Kansas City Royals first base coach was attacked on the field by a father and son combination.
Capobianco, a season ticket holder and Peter were immediately thrown out of the game. They are also banned from attending the game on October 30 again at Yankee Stadium.
I personally believe Capobianco’s season ticket should be taken from him. Some are calling this an assault because he made contact with Betts’ body. I agree. It’s one thing to grab a foul ball or any ball hit into the stands even if it bounces off a player’s glove. But to physically restrain a player from making a play? Outrageous. Disgusting. Pathetic. Those words describe the behavior of these two fans.
Reactions on the internet and paper are making light of this. That is ridiculous. These two clowns should be ridiculed at every public outlet available. They aren’t heroes and they have no right to be proud of what they did. But that is exactly what we are getting from the mouth of Capobianco.
Sitting in a bar after being thrown out of the game, here’s what this knucklehead said:
“I know when I’m in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like ‘boys I’m out of here. I patrol that wall, and they know that. We always joke about the ball in our area. We’re not going to go out of way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
The arrogance of this 38-year-old fool is unbelievable. He should absolutely be more mature and feel embarrassed and not proud of his actions. Some on ESPN are calling for his arrest on a charge of assault. I’m not sure that should be the penalty, but it was in fact an assault. Betts was not hurt but by this idiot putting his hands on the player, it could be considered assault.
Regardless, there is no room for this kind of action in baseball or any other sport for that matter. Instead of anyone applauding the actions of Capobianco and Peter they deserve to be shunned and ashamed for their actions.
