St. Paul Saints have always been trendsetters but their latest move has raised eyebrows and ignited a fierce debate. Meet OzemPig, the team’s live pig mascot, whose name has become a lightning rod for controversy.
A minor league baseball team is digging in its heels over its controversial mascot name, as reported by TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) in a recent tweet.
The tweet states: “Minor League Team Sticking With ‘OzemPig’ Mascot Name Amid Backlash.”
Minor League Team Sticking With 'OzemPig' Mascot Name Amid Backlash | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/o8nAYJ0KOw
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) March 29, 2024
This decision comes after the name “OzemPig,” a play on the weight-loss drug Ozempic sparked criticism for being insensitive and potentially promoting fat-shaming.
The OzemPig Saga:
On March 30, 2024, at Petco Park, home of the St. Paul Saints, fans witnessed an unusual spectacle. The team introduced their newest four-legged member: a plump, pink piglet named OzemPig. Traditionally, the Saints employ young pigs to assist in delivering game balls to umpires, and each season, they hold a contest to christen these porcine ambassadors with whimsical monikers. Past winners include Ham Solo and Notorious P.I.G. This year, however, OzemPig took centre stage.
As soon as the name was announced, the stands erupted with mixed reactions. Some fans chuckled at the clever play on words, while others frowned. Why? Because Ozem-Pig’s name is a nod to the immensely popular weight loss drug Ozempic. Critics argue that it flirts with fat-shaming, turning a playful tradition into a sensitive issue.
Saints Vice President Sean Aronson swiftly addressed the controversy. He emphasized that there was no ill intent behind the name selection. The team never intended to offend anyone. They crafted a fictional backstory for OzemPig, claiming that the swine was determined to shed pounds and flaunt its abs and defined hocks throughout its tenure as the ball pig. But the public remained divided.
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