Posted on 07/22/2026 7:31:50 PM PDT by Morgana
A Chicago Cubs fan who smacked another spectator who did not stand for The Star-Spangled Banner is speaking out after a video of the incident went viral.
The video drew strong and divided reactions on social media, with public opinion split on the older man's actions.
Now, he has spoken out on the incident, which happened during the 10-1 win against the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field on Sunday, in various interviews.
Robert Chavez claimed that an important element of the story is missing.
In the video, he is seen yelling at the younger man - who was not identified - for his refusal to rise out of his seat.
'I was telling him, "Please stand up", you know, "have some respect",' Chavez told Inside Edition.
After the younger man didn't comply with Chavez's demands, he was hit in the head by the senior.
He continued to bark at the younger man - as well as others who were stunned by his actions and looked to defend the recipient of the smack.
Chavez told TMZ that he informed the young man of his status as a veteran of the Vietnam War and even rattled him with some stories from the conflict - all to no avail.
But looking back on the incident, Chavez admitted that he shouldn't have resorted to physical violence.
'Oh yes, definitely. I wish I could,' he told Inside Edition when asked if he wanted to take back the slap.
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I’d have smacked that little shit a lot harder.
The incident happened on July 19, 2026, at Wrigley Field, when Chavez slapped a younger fan on the back of the head after the fan remained seated during the national anthem.
Chavez later said that his Vietnam service and the loss of friends in the war contributed to his emotional reaction.
According to reports, the two men reconciled afterward.
Chavez apologized, the younger man accepted the apology, and reportedly even bought Chavez a beer.
Chicago police were aware of the incident, but no police report was filed, and the younger man did not want to pursue the matter. The Cubs also indicated that they would not take further action against Chavez.
Chavez is lucky. He could have been jailed and spent $10,000 in legal fees.
The kid deserved a slap, the old man deserved a sock in the nuts. We cant all just run around handing out what we think everyone else deserves.
He hardly touched him.
Do Indian citizens with H1B visas, that are taking all of our high paying jobs, have to stand?
We’re a bunch of old fogies,we all think the mannerless brat deserved it.
I’ve heard that ‘local police are investigating, because the incident went so viral.” So this patriotic Vet probably wants to get ahead of their ‘surprise’ knock on his front door. I hope he only gets a warning. I’m still glad he did it.
He’s very lucky this particular young man was not the rowdy type, that one act could have literally become the Old Guy’s last stand, period. Eventually, somebody is going to find out who the kid is, and ask him some very leading questions.
“How did it feel to get your bell rung by an old man?”
Most men know that sometimes, this very direct treatment is needed to make a point and shape behavior.
I think the young guy was disrespectful in not standing for the National Anthem. I think the old guy was not out of line letting the kid know that he should be standing up, but there are far better ways he could have done it. I think the young guy showed a lot of restraint and class by buying the old guy a beer afterwards, and that the old guy showed humility afterwards when he admitted he should have handled it differently.
The pig sitting on his ass should not be eligible for any government money or benefits. America hates him, too!!!
Sounds like they worked it out. There's no way the virtue signalling apostles of tolerance will let this die without a fight..
The older guy needs to go to jail and suffer the consequences of his actions. No excuses. Do the crime, do the time.
The younger guy has the right to sit down.
I disagree with the younger guys sitting down during the anthem but I will defend his right to express his beliefs. There is a saying about this
What movie did you get that from?
How many virtue points do you get for sitting during the National Anthem?
It is interesting that so many want to assume the the “old man” would lose an actual fight with the younger guy.
Old does not necessarily mean incapable. Young does not necessarily mean better.
BTW, the “kid” deserved it.
Are you a Democrat?
Very noble sentiment. But today we got young rebellious folk shooting or hammering others to death. Don’t hit first, but if attacked return as hard as possible and be legal.
I wouldn't have slapped that kid, but I sure would have "Son"ed him.
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