BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II Issues Strong Statement Following “Brewers Karen” Scandal
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania –

Steelers Leadership Speaks Out
The city of Pittsburgh woke up to a powerful and heartfelt message from Steelers President Art Rooney II, who addressed the viral controversy surrounding “Brewers Karen,” a story that has dominated national headlines.

In his official statement, Rooney called the remarks of Shannon Kobylarczyk—the woman caught on video yelling “Call ICE!” at a U.S. veteran of Latin descent during the National League Championship Series—“Un-American, deeply offensive, and completely against what the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh stand for.”

He further announced that Kobylarczyk is now permanently banned from Acrisure Stadium and all Steelers-related events.

“We don’t stand for hate—not in Pittsburgh, not in our stadium, and not in this country,” Rooney declared.

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Rooney’s message went viral within hours, shared across X, Instagram, and Facebook by Steelers fans, veterans, and even rival NFL communities who praised his leadership and moral clarity.

The Incident Sparks a Firestorm
The controversy began during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field. In a now-viral video, Shannon Kobylarczyk—quickly dubbed “Brewers Karen” by internet users—yelled “Call ICE!” at Ricardo Fosado, a Dodgers fan of Latin descent and a U.S. veteran.

Fosado, visibly shaken, stood his ground and stated proudly that he had served in two wars as an American soldier. The confrontation escalated when Kobylarczyk allegedly tried to grab his phone, prompting security intervention.

Both were removed from the stadium, but public outrage overwhelmingly focused on Kobylarczyk’s actions—widely viewed as an ugly reminder of racism and xenophobia that still lingers in parts of American sports culture.

Within a day, her employer, ManpowerGroup, confirmed she had been terminated, citing a “zero-tolerance policy for discriminatory or harassing behavior.” She also resigned from the Make-a-Wish Wisconsin Board of Directors.

Steel City Draws a Line
While the Brewers organization swiftly condemned her behavior, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first NFL franchise to issue an official response—and it came with unmistakable force.

In a statement released Friday morning, Art Rooney II linked the incident to a larger moral responsibility shared by all professional teams:

“The spirit of sport—teamwork, respect, and unity—means nothing if we stay silent in the face of hate,” Rooney said.
“Acrisure Stadium is more than a football field. It’s a gathering place for everyone, from every background and every story. That’s the Pittsburgh way—and it will never change.”

His words were seen as both a condemnation of Kobylarczyk’s actions and a call to national conscience in a polarized America.

Fans and Players Respond
The reaction from Steelers Nation was instant and overwhelming. On X, the hashtag #SteelCityStrong began trending within hours of Rooney’s remarks.

Fans flooded social media with messages of support:

“This is Pittsburgh—tough, proud, united.”
“We fight for what’s right. That’s why we wear black and gold.”

Steelers players echoed that sentiment. Defensive star T.J. Watt reposted Rooney’s statement with a simple caption: “Respect is strength.” Quarterback Russell Wilson added, “Unity wins—on and off the field.”

Even rival fans joined in, with one Baltimore Ravens supporter writing:
“I can’t believe I’m saying this—but I respect the Steelers today.”

A Statement Bigger Than Football
Analysts and commentators praised Art Rooney II’s message as an example of sports leadership rooted in decency and conviction. In a time when teams often avoid controversy, the Steelers’ clear moral stance resonated deeply.

Political outlets across the spectrum described the statement as “measured, patriotic, and profoundly American.” CNN called it “a defining moment for NFL leadership in 2025.”

In closing his address, Rooney summed up what Pittsburgh stands for—words that may echo through Acrisure Stadium for years to come:

“The Steelers don’t just play for Pittsburgh—we play for America. And in our house, hatred never gets a seat.”