That’s because the New York Yankees spark more crime than any other professional sports team.
While Bengals players have been arrested 31 times since 2000, The New York Times reports that “more than 100 people who have been suspects or persons of interest in connection with serious crimes in New York City wore Yankees apparel at the time of the crimes or at the time of their arrest or arraignment.”
Specifically, the Yankee hat has been at the center of New York crime. Crooks have worn the dark navy blue cap during a Manhattan gym robbery, a Bronx bank robbery and, as a real slap in the face to the Mets, during a Queens dollar store robbery.
What is the connection between the Yankee hat and breaking the law? Do Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera subliminally inspire theft? Are Mets fans trying to frame the Yankees? Why aren’t Charlestown bank robbers wearing a Red Sox cap to the scene of the crime?
The answer may lie in the image boost that celebrities have given the hat. Most notably, Jay-Z seems to always rock his New York headgear and rightfully declares in “Empire State of Mind” that he “made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can.” LeBron James also has been known to support the Yanks with some apparel, much to the sporting world’s dismay. Simply put, these icons have made the hat into a must-have fashion piece. Plus, the simple, sleek design furthers the hip image.
No other team will have this criminal problem for two reasons. First, most hats have more complicated logos and the colors won’t go with any outfit. Second, no team matches the popularity of the Yankees, and this won’t change as long as New York remains America’s largest city.
Do you think the Yankees crime phenomenon makes sense or is there another explanation? Share your thoughts below.
