The Melee at Wrigley

Mark's View: The Melee at Wrigley

The mini-riot which occurred when members of the Los Angeles Dodgers climbed into the stands of Chicago's Wrigley Field during an altercation with fans raises more than the usual questions about fans' conduct and athlete discipline. It calls into question the number, training and qualifications of the security personnel who attempt to keep order in the facility.

The issue of physical battles between fans and players is not new. About 20 years ago, I remember a similar event at New York's Madison Square Garden between several Boston Bruins players and some fans. The hockey players climbed over the Plexiglas windows after one or two fans starting pulling their sticks. The Garden was sued and, to my knowledge, the case never went to trial (it was presumably settled).

In that case, the squat level of the glass was the issue. Here, it seems that the adequacy of the security forces. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs defended their security and beer-selling procedures yesterday, while Major League Baseball's Executive Vice-President for Operations Sandy Alderson noted that the players involved would be punished.

The Dodgers complained that the Cubs had insufficient security in the visiting team's bullpen, because players sit "only inches away" from front-row fans.

I don't know the specifics of the Cubs crowd-control policies, so it is not my intention to cast blame. But it is important to know that while patrons to a game assume certain risks inherent in the sport [click here], they are entitled to reasonable, adequate security. Same can be said for the players. They risk catcalls, criticisms, boos, but should not be assaulted. Security is under a duty of care to protect both parties. And since fans do not have a "right" to their seats (a common misperception), but rather a license (a more limited permission to sit and attend the game), the team have the right to expel unruly fans for various transgressions. This proviso is found in the back of a ticket, often in very small letters.

The Cubs recently tried to downplay their security forces after some fans have accused security of being "more Gestapo-like, heavy-handed." He added: "Leaning toward customer service and customer satisfaction, we've softened the look of our people."

The next point involves alcohol consumption. Many stadiums limit sales after the 7th inning and do not serve to intoxicated people. But the policing of the latter policy is difficult and the specter of drunken fans adds to security woes. If the Cubs violated their own policies in serving these fans, then liability will ensue. If the team is aware of a continuing alcohol problem and fails to take reasonable action, liability can also result. A Cubs representative said that had the players not in the stands, it "certainly would have been easier to gain control." But he added that the incident "would not cause the team to further restrict beer sales."