Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel was one of the first to reach out to the members of the Jackie Robinson West Little League team after having they had their title stripped for having ineligible players. Emanuel made it known to the kids that he supports them and that they are still viewed as champions by the city of Chicago. Emanuel even called the CEO of Little League International, Stephen Keener, asking that he would reserves his decision of stripping the kids’ title because they did nothing wrong.
Mayor Emanuel was not just paying lip service with those words, he has taking actions to follow up on his words. According to YahooSports.com, Emanuel will be going through with plans of honoring the team at next month’s City Council hearing by presenting each member with a championship ring. Mayor Emanuel feels it is unfair for the organization to have punish the children who did nothing wrong.
“These young men demonstrated tremendous character both on and off the field, and Chicago will honor them as the champions they are. The memories they have create will last a lifetime, and so will the championship rings they have earned”.
I completely agree with Mayor Emanuel on this one. The kids did nothing wrong and shouldn’t have to suffer due to the acts of the adults who were in leadership roles. These kids played their hearts out and deserve to keep their title. What does taking the title away prove anyway? It’s not like they have plans to give the title to another team.