(Fox News) Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif. says it wasn’t Republican lawmakers who made “an offensive and misogynistic comment” during the Congressional Baseball Game on Thursday night that prompted her to flip the bird towards their dugout, but rather a fan in the stands.
Sanchez told NBC News’ Frank Thorp that the alleged comment came from an “obnoxious fan” who has previously shouted similar remarks at her in the past.
Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., takes the field during the Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park on Thursday, July 28, 2022. The Republicans prevailed over the Democrats by the score of 10-0. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“It wasn’t the team. It was an obnoxious fan who shouts misogynistic s–t at me every single year.”
Earlier on Friday, Sanchez said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the comment came “from the Republican side.”
Democrat Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA) flips off the Republican dug out. Her team got blown out 10-0.pic.twitter.com/CgPOaEsLs4
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) July 29, 2022
“The Congressional Baseball Game is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s a great cause and brings both sides of the aisle together for a night off from partisan politics. That is why it really struck a nerve when I heard an offensive and misogynistic comment from the Republican side on my way back to the dugout,” her statement read.
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, left, and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, stand in the dugout before the Congressional baseball game against Congressional Democrats, Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Washington. The annual baseball game between Congressional Republicans and Democrats raises money for charity. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
“In the heat of the moment, I reacted. I have no tolerance for men who make women feel like they are unimportant or don’t belong – especially on the field. I will always stand against that kind of bigotry.”
At the time, her office did not respond to a follow-up request for comment as to what the comment was or who made it.
She declined to elaborate on the remark to NBC News.
