The Canby Rebels youth softball team is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that players taunted a Black player from the opposing Eforce team with racial chants during a recent championship game. Spectators and parents reported hearing "monkey and barking" noises directed at the adolescent pitcher, who was the sole Black athlete on her team.
"There were many times during the game where the chanting was absolutely inappropriate," Jamie Hogland, parent of an Eforce player, told KGW. Hogland added that coaches from the Canby Rebels seemed to be well aware of their players' actions and owed "this family a personal apology." The incident caused a stir among parents, with concerns raised about how such behavior detracts from the players' focus and sportive experience.
In response to the allegations, the Oregon USSSA Fastpitch Director Alexa Peterson issued a statement, stating that, "USSSA does not condone any form of racism or other unsportsmanlike conduct from any participants or attendees at our events." Peterson assured that the coach of the Canby team has been contacted and plans to reach out to the family of the mistreated player, according to information provided by KPTV. However, reports suggest that the family has yet to receive a response.
The United States Specialty Sports Association has received a formal complaint regarding the incident. Alexa Peterson further shared with KOIN, "We are deeply saddened that this pitcher was feeling targeted based on her race. USSSA does not condone any form of racism. For full transparency, here is the compilation of every pitch that she threw." Peterson emphasized that tournament staff would have intervened had they been made aware of any player's discomfort during the game. The president of the Canby Rebels has stated that a meeting with the player's family has occurred and that internal discussions will address the issue to "increase awareness to ensure all chants and cheers are in good sportsmanship to limit misinterpretations," asserting that "racism has no place in our world."
