Rockies trying to find out who yelled racial slurs at Marlins’ Lewis Brinson at Coors Field

The Rockies will need to have answers soon after a spectator at Coors Field yelled the N-word at least twice while the Marlins’ Lewis Brinson was batting in the ninth inning of Sunday’s game.

Audio of the slurs was picked up by field microphones used for the game telecast.

The Rockies said in a statement Sunday night that they don’t know who said the word but are “disgusted” by the act.

“Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident,” the team said. “The Rockies have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be ejected and banned from Coors Field.”

The slurs during the plate appearance by Brinson, who is Black, came through loud and clear on the broadcast (you can listen through this link), although Marlins spokesman Jason Latimer told The Associated Press that Brinson did not hear what was said.

“Neither Lewis, nor any other Marlins on the field or in the dugout, heard what was shouted,” the AP quoted Latimer as saying in a text message. “We brought the matter to the attention of the Rockies. How the matter is being handled, I would have to defer to them.”

Marlins TV play-by-play announcer Paul Severino immediately apologized on-air for the slurs being audible, however. He said later on Twitter he was “disgusted” by what he heard. 

“The level of hate that was displayed has no place in this world. Unfortunately it’s still far too prevalent. We need to be better. And soon. Awful,” he wrote.

Brinson had not commented on social media as of late Sunday. The outfielder went 2 for 4 with two RBIs in the game.

Media on Twitter questioned why the Rockies were unable to identify and punish the offender in close to real time.