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The Colorado Rockies notched their 51st win of the season on Sunday, but there was little to celebrate during the ninth inning of their matchup against the Miami Marlins. As Lewis Brinson of the Marlins stepped up to the plate in the ninth inning, microphones on the Bally Sports Florida telecast picked up a phone calling him a "n-----" multiple times. The fan was not identified at the time of the incident and ushers were not debriefed until after the post-game concert had been completed an hour later. Moving forward, the Rockies plan to launch a deeper investigation into the matter.
***The video below contains the use of racially abusive language***
"The Colorado Rockies are disgusted at the racial slur by a fan directed at the Marlins' Lewis Brinson during the ninth inning of today's game," the Rockies wrote in a statement.
"Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident."
Marlins' spokesperson Jason Latimer has indicated that "neither Lewis, nor any other Marlins on the field or in the dugout, heard what was shouted." The team is also not involved in how the investigation is being handled at the moment.
"We brought the matter to the attention of the Rockies. How the matter is being handled, I would have to defer to them," Latimer told the Associated Press.
MLB Players Association President Tony Clark also chimed in to offer his support for Brinson and advocated for thorough investigation into the matter.
"We have to continue to work together to ensure that racism is never tolerated on or off the field," Clark added.
"While many are truly committed to respect and equality for all, the abhorrent racial animus displayed today highlights that there is still much work to be done."
As the investigation unfolds, Brinson and Marlins will continue their season on August 9 in San Diego, California as they take on the Padres.
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