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Entrepreneurial San Antonio Spurs fans have seized on a phrase a woman likely intended as a slight. Credit: Screenshot / Facebook Marketplace
What began as outrage over an Anglo woman texting her critique of Spurs fans has transformed into a rallying cry for some who have created merchandise emblazoned with the “Crazy Hispanic Fan” message displayed on the woman’s phone.
The controversy began last week after someone uploaded footage from the Spurs’ Thursday, March 19, game against the Phoenix Suns. The clip shows a woman in the stands sending text messages to someone expressing her surprise at the high number of Latinos at the NBA game.
“A lot of crazy Hispanic fans,” she types into the phone, then adds, “All Hispanic! How can they afford it?”
The video quickly spread across social media, drawing condemnation from hoops fans and those who follow the sport for a living.
“This does not sit well with me, San Antonio,” KENS 5 sports reporter Jeff Garcia tweeted in response. “Damn shame.”
Now, nearly a week later, it looks like Spurs fans are eager to reclaim the phrase.
Online Facebook Marketplace is now awash in merchandise such as shirts hats, and buttons emblazoned with the phrase “Crazy Hispanic Fan.” Indeed, some Spurs faithful were rocking the shirts at the March 21 game against the Indiana Pacers, according to Yahoo Sports, and some even waved Mexican flags to show their pride.
“All of us in the Spurs organization are proud to live in San Antonio, a city that shines and thrives because of the culture and contributions of our Latino community. Inclusion is a foundation for the San Antonio Spurs,” the team said in a statement issued in response to the viral video. “We strive to provide an environment, in our facilities and across our community, that celebrates belonging and respect regardless of race and ethnicity. Por Vida.”
Latinos make up 64.6% of the 1,526,656 people residing San Ajas of July 2024, according to the United States Census Bureau.
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