One of the New York Mets organization employees who performs as the team’s colorful mascot “Mr. Met” has been fired after being recorded flipping the bird to at least one fan — while in costume.
The video, attributed to a Twitter user named Anthony DeLucia, went viral Wednesday night.
It shows the mascot walking between bleachers to a team entrance, before turning around and extending his cartoon middle finger to whomever is recording him. See it below.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/870103753608675328
It’s unclear precisely when the recording was made or what might have prompted the gesture, though the Mets organization has apologized, saying in a statement: “We apologize for the inappropriate action of this employee. We do not condone this type of behavior. We are dealing with this matter internally.”
According to the Associated Press, the employee in question — who was not identified by the organization — has been terminated.
While the team’s reaction was solemn apology, the response from fans on Twitter has been the opposite. Many people praised the incident as hilarious, understandable or even in keeping with the spirit of the team. Or, in the words of one sports fan, “the first entertaining thing a mascot has ever done.”
Read on for a sample of the reactions.
OMG Mr. Met giving a fan the finger is the most Mets thing ever! pic.twitter.com/G5q9YmVJ90
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) June 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/Bro_Pair/status/870122327845072900
Dear Mets,
Please allow Mr. Met to have a post-game press conference. In full mascot uniform.
Sincerely,
The American Public.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) June 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/PalmerReport/status/870151255825502208
Y'all all angry about Mr. Met when Clark the Cub is walking around out here with no goddamn pants on
— Zach Buchanan (@ZHBuchanan) June 1, 2017
I hope Mr. Met punches me in the face the next time I'm at Citi Field
— Glenny Balls (@Glenny_balls) June 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/EoinHiggins_/status/870121370218319873
https://twitter.com/MLBJesus/status/870114145471016960