A Citi Field tradition some viewed as homophobic is outta here.
The Mets announced that the team will no longer show pairs of players on opposing teams on its popular “Kiss Cam” amid criticism from fans who didn’t find the gag funny.
“We have, on occasion, included players from opposing teams in our popular in-game Kiss Cam feature,” team spokesman Jay Horowitz said. “While intended to be lighthearted, we unintentionally offended some. We apologize for doing so and no longer will include players in the feature. Our organization is wholly supportive of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment at games.”
The change was first reported on HuffPost Live.
The change comes after months of social-media lobbying by longtime fan Etan Bednarsh. Several other fans joined in as the season progressed.
.@Mets You are AGAIN showing two men on the kiss cam for laughs. This is a disgrace. STOP THIS NOW! pic.twitter.com/9py14w5xrt — Etan Bednarsh (@EBednarsh) September 15, 2015
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After the Mets announced the change, Bednarsh thanked the team on Twitter.
“Thank you @Mets for committing to not show 2 men as a kiss cam joke! This is something all major sports teams should do. Who's next???”
The Mets said they plan to continue to include kiss cam in games but it will only highlight couples.
