Milton Bradley Calls Cubs Fans Racist

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 27, 2009 2:00PM

We all know there are some jerks in the Wrigley Field bleachers. And while some hurl beers at the opponents' outfielders, others have been known to hurl insults at an under performing Cubs outfielder or two -- just ask Corey Patterson, Jacque Jones, or Juan Pierre. So does it surprise anybody that Milton Bradley, the Cubs' current waste of $10 million, is whining that Cubs fans say mean things? "I'm talking about hatred, period. I'm talking about when I go to eat at a restaurant, I have to listen to the waiters bad-mouthing me at another table, sitting in a restaurant, that's what I'm talking about -- everything, " explained Bradley when asked on Wednesday to clarify comments made the day before.

Bradley alluded to racial slurs being hurled along with other comments. "America doesn't believe in racism," he said dismissively, while discussing incidents with fans at Wrigley. "All I'm saying is I just pray the game is nine innings, so I can be out there the least amount of time as possible and go home, " Bradley griped. And yet when pressed, Bradley could give no specific examples of racially motivated comments. Wrigley Field policy is to eject any fan who makes inappropriate comments toward a player, and yet Cubs security claim to have had no incidents involving Bradley and racial slurs.

So are the fans in Wrigley bleachers not so friendly? Or does Milton Bradley simply need to develop some thicker skin if he expects to patrol the outfield for the Cubs? [Ed's Note: While we certainly don't condone shouting racist comments at anyone, we can't blame fans if they called Bradley a dunce for games like these. - M.G.] We suspected he might run afoul of the fans when he signed; we're just surprised it took this long for him to finally lash out.