Little League World Series Officials Say No Racist Intent Behind Cotton Incident

A Little League World Series player’s head was covered in cotton during an MLB game on Sunday night — and while Little League officials acknowledged it “could be perceived as racially insensitive,” they said they’ve since been assured there was “no ill-intent” behind the actions.

The incident happened in the eighth inning of the Red Sox vs. Orioles Little League Classic game in Williamsport, Penn. … when several members of the Davenport, Iowa, Little League team — who are white — took stuffing out of giveaway toys and placed it on a Black teammate’s head.

Many on social media were outraged by the visuals on the ESPN broadcast … considering the Black player did not appear to be laughing about it at all.

But, reps for the LLWS said in a statement Monday that after speaking with the Black child’s mother and coaches, they’ve been assured “that there was no ill-intent behind the action shown during the broadcast.”

“After speaking with the team,” officials said, “as well as reviewing photos, multiple players on the Midwest Region team were taking part in this while enjoying the game.”

“As only one player appeared on the broadcast, Little League International understands that the actions shown could be perceived as racially insensitive.”