Cubs fan who slapped man during national anthem says they made amends

A Chicago Cubs fan who was caught on video smacking another spectator during Sunday’s playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” says the confrontation ended peacefully, with both men trading apologies and even a beer, according to a report.

The incident unfolded before the Cubs-Twins game at Wrigley Field as the Jersey Girls performed the national anthem and most fans in the stands rose to their feet. One younger fan remained seated, prompting the man behind him to lean in, tell him to stand and ultimately strike him on the back of the head. The video spread quickly on social media and was picked up by numerous outlets, including Fox News’ OutKick, in a viral video capturing an older Cubs fan smacking a younger fan on the head for refusing to stand during the anthem. 

The older man was seen mouthing “stand up” before leaning in, and after the younger fan complied, telling him “thank you so much.”

TMZ has since identified the man who threw the smack as Robert “Bob” Chavez. In an interview with the outlet, Mr. Chavez said he lost his composure because he is a Vietnam veteran who lost several friends in the war and that he shared that history with the younger fan before the confrontation escalated. He told the outlet the video leaves out what happened afterward — that the two men reconciled, with the younger fan even buying him a beer, and that when stadium security arrived to intervene, the younger man asked that no action be taken.

The Cubs organization confirmed that account to TMZ. In a statement, the team said the anthem is an important tradition at its games and that fans are encouraged, though not required, to stand and remove their caps. The club added that its security team spoke with the fan who was struck and that he indicated the matter had been resolved and he did not want anyone ejected or further action taken.

Chicago police told TMZ in an earlier report that they were aware of the video but that no report had been filed as of Monday, leaving open the question of whether the incident would lead to any further legal action.

The clip, shared widely on social media, drew a mix of reactions online, with some commenters calling the older man’s actions justified and others arguing that striking someone over a personal decision went too far.

The younger fan has not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear why he chose to remain seated during the anthem.

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