One day after slurs, MLB star saluted -- but players say racism persists
Baltimore Orioles star Adam Jones received a huge standing ovation just one day after being subject to racial taunts at Boston's Fenway Park.
The salute Tuesday was a moment of redemption for Boston and the Red Sox. Jones said fans at Fenway Park Monday hurled peanuts and repeatedly used a racial slur against him.
Jackie Robinson broke the major league baseball color barrier shortly after World War II. But Adam Jones reminded us that despite Robinson's efforts over 70 years ago -– African American players are still subjected to racism inside the ballpark, even in 2017, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor.
When asked by a reporter at a press conference Tuesday how often he's been called the n-word, Jones replied, "Um, it's a good question. I don't know how many fingers I have and toes to keep count."
Sobering words spoken by one of baseball's most respected players. Jones said the racial slurs are nothing new. But what he heard from fans inside Boston's Fenway Park was the worst he's ever experienced in his 12-year career.
"It's just something that caught my attention. I heard the n-word. I just was like OK, this is really how it's gonna go down here," Jones said of Monday's game.
"I don't need any special treatment. Treat me as normal just keep the racist stuff out of there," Jones said.
Condemnation came quick. From the governor's mansion to city hall. In a statement, the Red Sox said they have, "zero tolerance for such inexcusable behavior, and our entire organization and our fans are sickened by the conduct of an ignorant few."
Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said at Tuesday's press conference, "Everyone should feel comfortable at Fenway Park. No matter your race, religion, your political beliefs, your sexuality, you are welcome at Fenway."
That hospitality poured over into the game, with Red Sox fans giving Jones a standing ovation before his first at bat.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter, said, "I can't sit here and profess that I know how Adam feels. Like I've said before, I've never been black. So I'm not gonna sit here and act like I know."
"Has It happened to me before? Yes. Yes, it's happened to probably the majority of black players in the game," said Chris Young, an outfielder for the Red Sox. "It's not just Boston, it's society."
Red Sox starter Chris Sale stepped off the mound to give fans a chance to cheer Jones a little more Tuesday night.