Ryan Braun‘s name and reputation is getting tarnished and ridiculed in light of his suspension on Tuesday, but at least one Miller Park security member doesn’t find any of it funny.
On Wednesday night, the ridiculing continued when Brewers fan Karen Eidem went to the team’s home game wearing her Braun jersey shirt, but with a few minor alterations. She added the letters “F” and “D” to replace the “B” and “N” in Braun to spell “Fraud.” Most people might find that clever and funny, but nevertheless, security walked over to her, told her that her shirt violated the fan code of conduct and that she would have to change her shirt or leave the game. Eidem refused, instead opting to wear the shirt inside-out, and stayed for the rest of the game.
While she wasn’t kicked out of the ballpark, the situation still created some controversy, as Eidem found reporters to explain her side of the story.
“I mean it was obviously meant as a joke, but to put me in a position where I’m the one to be perceived as doing something wrong, that kind of bothered me.” Eidem said.
That prompted the Brewers to then issue a statement.
“In this case, the fan absolutely should have been able to wear the jersey without any intervention by our staff. We welcome the opportunity for fans to express their opinions. The only circumstances that would warrant us intervening is if someone were to display a message or item that would be considered offensive to other fans. This is not a case where that line was crossed, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience to her. We will reach out to Ms. Eidem to invite her to another game this year as our guest.”
Next up on Eidem’s to-do list? Making “A-Fraud” T-shirts, probably.