A Cubs fan who slapped a younger man at a recent game when he didn’t stand for the national anthem has offered more details on the situation.
Robert “Bob” Chavez, who hit the young fan in the back of the head, told TMZ he lost his composure in the moment because he’s a Vietnam veteran who had several friends killed in the war.
While asking him to stand for the anthem, Chavez said he told the young man his veteran status and war stories, but he remained seated.
Chavez added that there’s also important context missing from the initial video, as the two apologized and made amends afterwards.
He also said the young fan even bought him a beer, and they discussed why they felt so strongly about what the national anthem represents.
Though Chavez said security came to kick him out, the younger fan told security all was good between them.
“The National Anthem is an important tradition at Chicago Cubs games,” the Cubs told TMZ in a statement. “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.
“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.”
In the initial video, which was during the Cubs 10-1 win over the Twins Sunday, Chavez is yelling “get up
to the young fan who was looking up at him during the anthem.
Before smacking him in the head, Chavez leaned down from his seat to whisper something in the young man’s ear.
Eventually, the young man stood up, prompting Chavez to say, “Thank you, thank you so much young man.”
The video caused mix reactions on social media, with some fans defending Chavez and others thinking he went too far on the young fan.
