One day after being subjected to racial taunts—being called the n-word and having peanuts thrown at him—Baltimore Orioles star Adam Jones received a huge standing ovation.
The gesture Tuesday at Boston’s Fenway Park, though sweet, does nothing to address the virulent racism that Jones—one of baseball’s most respected players—faced when he stepped out on the same field Monday.
However, condemnation of Monday’s actions by the “fans” came quick. Boston Red Sox President Sam Kennedy made it clear at a Tuesday press conference that “everyone should feel comfortable at Fenway Park. No matter your race, religion, your political beliefs, your sexuality, you are welcome at Fenway,” CBS News reports.
Fans seemingly agreed despite Monday’s horrible display, cheering Jones just before his first at bat. Red Sox starter Chris Sale stepped off the mound to give fans a chance to cheer Jones even more.
Said Orioles manager Buck Showalter, “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.”
In contrast, Chris Young, an outfielder for the Red Sox, added: “Has It happened to me before? Yes. Yes, it’s happened to probably the majority of black players in the game. It’s not just Boston, it’s society.”
Jones called Monday night’s incident the worst case of abuse that he has had to deal with in his career to date.
“It’s different,” he said. “Very unfortunate. I heard there was 59 or 60 ejections tonight in the ballpark. It is what it is, right. I just go out and play baseball. It’s unfortunate that people need to resort to those type of epithets to degrade another human being. I’m trying to make a living for myself and for my family.”
The individual who threw the peanuts was eventually removed from the game, but Jones wants to make the message even clearer.
“They need to fine them 10 grand, 20 grand, 30 grand. Something that really hurts somebody. Make them pay in full. And if they don’t, take it out out of their check,” he said.
Read more at CBS News.