Brewers fan fired after ‘call ICE’ rant at Dodgers fan sparks outrage

During Game 1 of the National League Wild Card SeriesAmerican Family Field on Oct 3, 2023, a video captured Shannon Sutherland, a 34‑year‑old senior digital marketing manager at Virence Health yelling “call ICE” at Ricardo Fosado, a 42‑year‑old U.S. Navy veteran and Dodgers fan, inside American Family Field in Milwaukee. The incident sparked a flood of social‑media backlash, led to Sutherland’s termination, her resignation from the Wisconsin Make‑A‑Wish chapter, and prompted the Brewers’ CEO David Stearns to reaffirm the club’s zero‑tolerance policy.

Historical Context of Fan Misconduct

Racial taunts in stadiums aren’t new, but the viral nature of today’s feeds turns a single outburst into a national conversation within hours. Earlier in 2023, a Philadelphia Eagles fan hurled slurs at Kansas City Chiefs players during the Super Bowl, and a Manchester United supporter directed abuse at Marcus Rashford in a Premier League match. Those episodes prompted the NFL and Premier League to tighten their conduct codes, yet baseball’s own policies have lagged behind, making this incident a litmus test for MLB’s response.

Timeline of the October 3 Incident

• 7:37 PM CT – Game 1 kicks off under a mild 58 °F sky.
• 7:55 PM CT – Dodgers begin scoring; tension rises in the crowd.
• 8:02 PM CT – Fosado records Sutherland’s chant: “Let’s call ICE. Call ICE, call ICE. Are you a citizen or veteran? Baby girl?”
• 8:05 PM CT – Video posted to Twitter; shares surge.
• Oct 4, 2023 – Hashtag #CallICEAtTheGame logs 187,452 mentions, 83 % negative sentiment (Crimson Hexagon).
• Oct 5, 2:30 PM CT – Virence Health announces Sutherland’s termination, citing “discriminatory and hateful speech”.
• Oct 6, 10:15 AM CT – Make‑A‑Wish Foundation of Wisconsin confirms her resignation.
• Oct 7 – Fosado tells KTVU he won’t pursue legal action but urges basic human respect.
• Oct 8 – Milwaukee Police Department reports no formal complaint filed.

Responses from Organizations and Stakeholders

The Milwaukee Brewers released a statement on Oct 4, 7:45 PM CT, with CEO David Stearns noting, “We are deeply disappointed by the actions of this individual. Such conduct violates our zero‑tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment of any kind.” The club also pledged to work with stadium security to improve monitoring of fan behavior.

Virence Health emphasized its commitment to an inclusive workplace, adding that the decision to fire Sutherland aligned with its internal Code of Conduct.

The Make‑A‑Wish Foundation of Wisconsin highlighted the need for volunteers to embody compassion, stating that Sutherland’s departure was “necessary to preserve the integrity of our mission.”

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Police Department said without a victim complaint they could not pursue criminal charges, though Captain Jennifer Arney condemned the language as “hateful rhetoric.”

Impact Assessment and Expert Analysis

In a briefing, Dr. Lisa Patel, professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison, warned that “viral moments like this amplify the perceived safety risk for minority fans, potentially deterring attendance and eroding community trust.” She cited the 2022 MLB attendance dip of 1.2 % as partly linked to high‑profile fan incidents.

The financial fallout for Virence Health was modest—no reported loss—but the reputational damage underscored how personal conduct can ripple into corporate brand equity. Brandwatch data showed a 27 % spike in negative sentiment toward the firm in the 48 hours after the termination announcement.

From a legal standpoint, the lack of a formal police report limits civil remedies, yet civil rights groups point to the possibility of a Title VII claim if the employer’s response is deemed insufficient. The incident also fuels ongoing debates within MLB about instituting league‑wide bans for fans who engage in hate speech.

Future Implications and Stadium Security Measures

MLB officials have hinted at rolling out new “Enhanced Fan Conduct” guidelines for the 2024 season, which could include real‑time video monitoring and expedited ejection protocols. The Brewers are reportedly piloting a pilot program that uses AI‑driven facial recognition to flag repeated offenders—a move that raises both privacy concerns and hopes for quicker intervention.

For fans, the episode serves as a reminder that the stadium experience extends beyond the game itself; a single phrase can alter careers, reshape volunteer work, and ignite nationwide debate about inclusion in America’s pastimes.

Key Facts

• Incident date: Oct 3, 2023, Game 1 of NL Wild Card Series.
• Primary individuals: Shannon Sutherland (Virence Health), Ricardo Fosado (U.S. Navy veteran).
• Employer action: Sutherland terminated; salary $98,500 per year.
• Social media impact: 187,452 mentions, 83 % negative sentiment.
• Organizational responses: Brewers, Virence Health, Make‑A‑Wish Wisconsin, Milwaukee Police.