SHERWOOD, Ore. — A Canby youth softball team is under scrutiny after reports of players yelling racist chants toward a Black player on the opposing team.
Parents and spectators at the 14U softball game described the repeated chants as "monkey and barking" noises made toward the only Black player on the Eforce team.
“There were many times during the game where the chanting was absolutely inappropriate," said Jamie Hogland, who has a daughter playing on the Eforce team. "I do feel like the coaches on the other team are very well aware of what their players were doing, and they owe this family a personal apology."
The chants came from the Canby Rebels dugout over the weekend at Cook Park during the championship game.
The Canby Rebels President, James Heckathorn, sent KGW a statement that reads:
“It was not the intention of our players or coaches to offend anyone. Discussions will be had with our players and coaches to address this issue and increase awareness to ensure all chants and cheers are in good sportsmanship to limit misinterpretation.
"Oregon Rebels will not tolerate racist, threatening, or derogatory comments directed at players, teams, umpires, or fans. Racism has no place in our world."
Hogland's daughter is one of the Eforce pitchers and pointed out to KGW that those chants were not made when her daughter was playing the same position during the game.
The father of that young girl didn't want to go on camera but shared a statement that reads:
"I know the girls didn’t mean any harm, but it is essential for coaches, parents and players to actively challenge these behaviors, as they are hurtful. We need to create a welcoming environment for all. This behavior is not okay. At the end of the day, love conquers, and this can be a good teaching moment for all.”
A formal complaint with the United States Specialty Sports Association was made shortly after the incident. The nonprofit told KGW in an email:
“We received a troubling report after yesterday’s championship game. USSSA does not condone any form of racism or other unsportsmanlike conduct from any participants or attendees at our events. We have contacted the coach of the team involved who will reach out to the family affected.”
The player's father shared with KGW that this isn’t the first time his daughter has been racially targeted. He shared that a few months, back his daughter was told that “the Black kids needed to go to the back of the bus” when on a school bus headed to a volleyball game.
KGW’s Daisy Caballero asked Hogland what she would like to say to the young teens who participated in these chants.
“I would want to know from the kids, this is a learned behavior, did you know what you were doing? Did you know what that barking and monkey sounds was?” Hogland said. “This behavior cannot be tolerated in sports. It should not be tolerated for any youth activity."
KGW reached out to coaches on both of the teams and did not hear back for comment.