San Jose Sharks Issue Apology After Controversial Jumbotron Message

The San Jose Sharks faced significant backlash after displaying a controversial message on their Jumbotron during the team’s Hispanic Heritage Night. This incident occurred during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the SAP Center.

Details of the Incident

During the first intermission on Saturday night, a message reading “SJ SHARKS FANS LOVE ICE!! GET’EM BOYZ!” appeared on the scoreboard. What was meant to be a celebratory moment during the Sharks’ ninth annual "Los Tiburones Night" turned into a source of outrage among fans present at the game, leading to immediate booing from the crowd.

The Backlash

Attendees were quick to voice their disapproval, and social media lit up with criticism following the display. Many felt that the message was not only poorly timed but also inappropriate given the significance of the event celebrating Hispanic heritage.

Official Response from the Sharks

In light of the backlash, the Sharks organization promptly issued an apology, clarifying that the message was submitted by an external party and was inadvertently displayed on the Jumbotron.

The team’s statement included the following points:

• The message was "offensively worded" and "inadvertently displayed" during the first intermission.
• Sharks Sports & Entertainment expressed deep regrets for not catching the oversight during their standard review process.
• They are actively investigating how the message ended up on the scoreboard.

The full statement was shared on the team’s social media account, emphasizing their commitment to uphold organizational values.

“Sharks Sports & Entertainment deeply regrets that this message, which does not meet our organization’s values, was not detected during our standard review process.”

Fan Reactions

Despite the apology, many fans were still critical. Some expressed that the message making it onto the Jumbotron was unacceptable, especially on a night dedicated to celebrating Hispanic culture. Quotes from social media include:

• “On Los Tiburones night too, sheesh. Tough look,” one fan tweeted.
• “Have better standards for screening forward,” another user mentioned.

Jessica Clark, a lifelong Sharks fan, expressed her disappointment, stating she was "appalled" by the oversight. “They’re my favorite team — I even have tattoos — but this was something that should’ve been caught,” she told CNN.

Outcome of the Game

In addition to the controversy off the ice, the Sharks faced defeat on the ice, losing the game to the Penguins with a score of 3-0.

This incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the responsibilities sports teams have regarding the content they share and how they can ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future.

For more detailed insights into the Sharks’ apology and fan reactions, check out CNN’s coverage and NHL News updates.

This situation raises important questions about the intersection of sports, culture, and responsibility in team messaging. How organizations manage their communications effectively reflects not just their brand, but also their core values.