BREAKING: Los Angeles Rams Owner Stan Kroenke Issues Strong Statement Condemning Racist Behavior Among Fans
In a bold and unequivocal statement, Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke has condemned recent reports of racist behavior among fans during home games, calling such actions “completely unacceptable, shameful, and wholly contrary to the values of the Rams organization and the city of Los Angeles.” Kroenke emphasized that the Rams are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment for all fans, and that any form of hate or discrimination will not be tolerated at SoFi Stadium.
“These actions go against everything the Rams and this city stand for,” Kroenke stated firmly. “The Los Angeles Rams represent the spirit of unity, diversity, and respect. We are a team for all people, and we will not allow hate or discrimination to have a place in our stadium or our fan base. This behavior is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any form.”
Kroenke’s comments follow disturbing reports of racial slurs and discriminatory actions allegedly taking place during recent Rams home games. The incidents have prompted significant concern both within the Rams’ fan base and across the league, with many calling for stronger action to ensure that all fans feel safe and respected in the stadium. Kroenke made it clear that the Rams would act swiftly and decisively to address the issue and prevent further occurrences.
“Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant city that thrives on inclusivity and acceptance, and that spirit must be reflected in every aspect of the Rams organization,” Kroenke continued. “Our fans deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued when they come to SoFi Stadium. We will not allow anyone to undermine that sense of community with hate or discrimination. We are committed to taking every measure necessary to protect the integrity of our stadium and ensure that all of our fans can enjoy the game without fear of discrimination.”
To address these incidents, Kroenke announced that the Rams would be strictly enforcing the team’s Fan Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits any form of hate speech, racism, or discriminatory behavior. He emphasized that any fan caught engaging in such actions would face permanent bans from SoFi Stadium, with no exceptions. Additionally, the Rams are working closely with stadium security and local authorities to identify and respond to any incidents of hate or racism quickly.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for racism and hate,” Kroenke stated. “Anyone found engaging in discriminatory behavior will be banned permanently from SoFi Stadium. Our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment is unwavering. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that all of our fans can enjoy the game in a respectful atmosphere.”
The response to Kroenke’s statement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising his leadership in confronting the issue. “Stan Kroenke’s message is exactly what the NFL needs to hear right now,” said NFL analyst and former player Michael Irvin. “It’s critical for owners and team leaders to take a stand against racism and hate, and Kroenke has done that with strength and clarity. This kind of leadership is what the sport needs.”
The Rams organization has also pledged to partner with local organizations to support diversity and inclusion initiatives, both in Los Angeles and within the NFL community. Kroenke emphasized that the team’s commitment to fighting racism will extend beyond game days, with the Rams actively working to foster a more inclusive environment both in and outside of the stadium.
As the NFL faces increasing scrutiny over racism and discrimination, Stan Kroenke’s strong statement serves as a reminder that sports should be a platform for unity, not division. The Rams are taking a firm stand, showing that they will not tolerate hate, and are dedicated to making SoFi Stadium a place where every fan feels respected and welcome.
“The Los Angeles Rams represent the spirit of unity, diversity, and respect. We will not allow hate or discrimination to have a place in our stadium or our fan base.”
With Kroenke’s commitment to eradicating hate and racism, the Los Angeles Rams are setting an example for the entire NFL, demonstrating that leadership in the fight against discrimination begins at the very top and must be reflected in the actions of every member of the organization.
Buccaneers Get Positive Injury Update on $71 Million Pro Bowler
While it’s impossible to argue the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t had their offense absolutely decimated by injuries through the first 7 games of the 2025 regular season, the defense has been mostly spared.
Aside from a season ending injury to defensive lineman and 2025 team sacks leader Calijah Kancey in a Week 2 win over the Houston Texans, it’s been relatively smooth sailing for the unit head coach Todd Bowles directly oversees.
That’s why it was so encouraging to see the news about nose tackle Vita Vea, a 2-time Pro Bowler in the penultimate season of a 4-year, $71 million contract.
“Todd Bowles said four players are ruled out for Sunday vs. Saints: WR Chris Godwin, RB Bucky Irving, OLB Haason Reddick and G Luke Haggard,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account on October 24. “Vita Vea questionable but in line to play.”
The Buccaneers, 5-2, travel to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 following a 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
The Saints are 1-6 and in last place in the NFC South.
Vea Dealt With Foot Issue Before Season Opener
This isn’t the first time this season that Vea has dealt with foot problems — he missed 2 practices for the same reason in the week leading up to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7 but still found a way onto the field.
In 7 games Vea, 6-foot-4 and 347 pounds, is second on the team with 2.5 sacks to go with 17 tackles, 3 TFL, 6 QB hits and 1 fumble recovery.
In 2024, Vea made his second career Pro Bowl with 42 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 10 TFL and 13 QB hits.
One of NFL’s Elite Interior Defensive Linemen
Eight seasons into his NFL career, Vea is well established as one of the NFL’s elite interior defensive linemen.
Drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round (No. 12 overall) of the 2017 NFL draft, he was a plug and play starter from the moment he walked in the locker room.
Vea famously returned from a fractured leg and ankle suffered in Week 5 of the 2020 regular season to play in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LV, helping lead Tampa Bay to a world title.
NFL executives voted him No. 9 among NFL interior defensive linemen headed into the 2025 regular season in ESPN’s annual preseason position rankings.
Vea was one of only 3 players on the list to have made a Pro Bowl and also won a Super Bowl along with Chris Jones (No. 2) and Jalen Carter (No. 3).
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was voted to the No. 1 spot.
“Vea slimmed down last offseason, and the result was a career-high 7.0 sacks along with his usual run-stopping ways,” ESPN”s Jeremy Fowler wrote on July 8. “But the stats don’t tell the story with Vea, whose raw strength is undeniable. Vea’s 10 tackles for loss also marked a career high.”
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce joked that facing Vea was one of the reasons he retired following the 2023 season.
Kelce played the final game of his Hall of Fame career in a loss to the Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Round.
“(I retired) because of knees that no longer wanted to block guys like Vita Vea,” Kelce joked. “And elbows that continually pop and get stuck in certain positions.”
