Tampa Bay Mascot Spurs Controversy with ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Sign

The mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays has a bit of explaining to do, after photos surfaced of the icon making light of wildlife expert Steve Irwin’s untimely death via a held up a sign. The event was captured via Smartphone camera by a member of the crowd and has now gone viral online.

The sign, which was displayed at a recent game, features a photo of the late “Crocodile Hunter” with the caption “Rays To Do List” and two items that included the name Steve Irwin and the World Series. Irwin’s name was also crossed out and a photo of the wildlife expert was shown.

Irwin, famous for his “Crocodile Hunter” television show, famously died from a bizarre sting ray attack while diving in Australia in 2006.

While the joke may have seemed funny to some, ball club officials are taking the matter seriously. According to Orlando area news sources, the a team spokesman issued the following statement:

“The Tampa Bay Rays regret that this particular sign was displayed in the ballpark, and we apologize for the lapse in judgment.”

The spokesman also went on to explain that the sign was fan created and that the mascot, Raymond Ray, was simply holding it up for the crowd.

But the event leads many to wonder, how far is too far in the name of crowd entertainment?

What do you think? Should the team be responsible for what fan created signs come into the ballpark?