Controversy at Tigers Game Over Faith-Based Apparel

A woman expressed feeling like a criminal after being asked to leave a Detroit Tigers game because of her shirt, which reflected her faith. The incident took place on June 19 during a match between the Tigers and the Chicago White Sox, with Paige Combs-Morgan seated behind home plate.

Combs-Morgan recounted that she was escorted from Comerica Park after staff deemed the message on her shirt offensive to fellow fans. The shirt read “Jesus over pride.” In a video she recorded, Combs-Morgan is seen in her seat, stating, “They’re kicking me out because of my shirt” while being led through the stadium by security.

“We’ve received a couple of complaints,” a staff member could be heard saying in the video. In a subsequent interaction with security personnel, a voice instructed her to stop recording, adding, “Please put the phone down.” Another individual said, “Be quiet and stop recording.”

Combs-Morgan claimed that officers and stadium representatives removed her from the venue, insisting that she was treated as though she had committed a crime simply by wearing her shirt.

The Tigers organization responded by stating that her ejection was not due to the shirt itself, but rather her behavior during the game. In their statement, they mentioned receiving multiple complaints from fans behind home plate about her conduct, which they claimed obstructed others’ enjoyment of the game. They reiterated that she had been warned by staff that continued behavior could lead to ejection.

The team pointed to their code of conduct, which asks guests to refrain from disruptive actions. A spokesperson clarified that her actions, not her attire, led to her removal.

Combs-Morgan shared that she had gone to the bathroom to “report” her shirt, akin to how others might make a point. She noted her disappointment over MLB’s warning issued to a Giants pitcher for writing a Bible verse on his cap, alleging that such protests seem to matter more when they align with Christianity.

“I have a right to wear it, just like everyone else,” she remarked. She further emphasized that the complaints about her shirt came from a couple of people who expressed discomfort, stating, “I got kicked out because I pissed people off,” a sentiment that contradicted the Tigers’ account.

Combs-Morgan also mentioned feeling that the organization aimed to intimidate her, suggesting they wanted to silence her discussion about her rights.