Griffith was condemned in '78 for a speech he made disparaging African-AmericansGETTY IMAGES
The Twins have “removed the statue” of former Owner Calvin Griffith from outside of Target Field,” according to Howard Sinker of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Griffith owned the team from '55-84, but was condemned for a speech he made in '78 disparaging African-Americans. The team in a statement said, "His disparaging words displayed a blatant intolerance and disregard for the Black community that are the antithesis of what the Minnesota Twins stand for and value." The team apologized for what the statue represented to some fans and said, "We believe removal of this statue is an important and necessary step in our ongoing commitment to provide a Target Field experience where every fan and employee feels safe and welcome" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/19). Clark Griffith, Calvin's son, said that it was "'anticipated' that his father’s statue would be taken down and that he had talked with the Twins about the possibility." He "did not argue that it should be left up" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/19).
REDSKINS MONUMENT REMOVED: In DC, Martin Austermuhle reports the marble monument for Redskins Founder George Preston Marshall was "removed from the grounds of RFK Stadium on Friday morning after 'Change the name' was spray-painted on it overnight." A Events DC spokesperson confirmed that the monument was removed permanently. Marshall "staunchly opposed integrating the team, becoming the last NFL owner to do so -- and only after federal officials in 1961 threatened to prohibit the team from playing at RFK Stadium." Marshall’s name is "on the lower level of FedEx Field" (DCIST.com, 6/19).
