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Gronk tells Kay Adams what Yankee fan told him after lifetime ban for Mookie Betts incident

NFL star Rob Gronkowski reveals a surprising personal link to one of the two Yankee fans who recently received indefinite bans from all MLB facilities.

Gronkowski: “No derriben a Mahomes muy fuerte o serán penalizados”
Jayne Kamin-OnceaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

In the heart of October 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, a moment unfolded that was absolute insanity. Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ right fielder, chased a foul ball toward the stands. As he leaped to make the catch, two Yankees fans, Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen, reached out - one grabbing Betts’ glove, the other his wrist - attempting to pry the ball free. The umpire promptly called fan interference, and security escorted the duo from the stadium.

In the days that followed, Major League Baseball took decisive action, banning both Capobianco and Hansen indefinitely from all MLB stadiums and events. The league’s letter to the fans stated, “Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.”

Amidst the media frenzy, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski shared a surprising connection to the incident. During an appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, Gronkowski revealed that he knew Capobianco from their college days at the University of Arizona. “He was on the hockey team, the club Arizona Wildcats team,” Gronkowski recalled. “Let me tell you, the whole hockey team - they were absolute maniacs.”

Gronkowski recounted reaching out to his old friend after the incident. He texted Capobianco, saying, “Hey, congratulations. You didn’t back down.” Capobianco responded, “Hey Rob, thank you man. Best buds for life. What did I do wrong? Mookie put his glove on my lap; I was just trying to swat the ball away.” Gronkowski noted that while Capobianco believed he was merely reacting to the situation, his actions, along with those of his companion, led to severe consequences.

Reflecting on the event, Gronkowski expressed mixed feelings. He admired his friend’s passion but acknowledged the gravity of the interference. “I don’t think he should really be banned, but I think his buddy next to him should be banned,” Gronkowski commented, suggesting that Hansen’s actions were more egregious.

For his part, Mookie Betts addressed the incident during an appearance on a television show with Kevin Hart. He candidly expressed his frustration, stating, “I would really say ‘f*** you guys.’ Like, try and get the ball, cool. But you tried to grab my s***.” Betts admitted that, in the heat of the moment, he considered retaliating but ultimately chose to return to his position.

The Yankees organization condemned the fans’ behavior as “egregious and unacceptable,” emphasizing the importance of player safety and the integrity of the game. The incident served as a stark reminder of the boundaries that exist between players and spectators, and the serious repercussions when those lines are crossed.

As the World Series continued, the Dodgers maintained their focus, ultimately securing a 4-1 series victory over the Yankees. The events of Game 4, however, lingered in the minds of fans and players alike, underscoring the unpredictable and often dramatic nature of baseball.

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