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Rob Gronkowski reveals the story with the Yankees fan at the center of the conclusion drama

Rob Gronkowski reveals the story with the Yankees fan at the center of the conclusion drama

4 minutes, 51 seconds Read

It's a small world.

Former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski said he was friends with Austin Capobianco – one of the Yankees fans who was ejected from Game 5 of the World Series after watching a foul ball come off the glove of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in Game 4 in college at the University of Arizona, and that he wasn't shocked by the incident at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

During Wednesday's “Up & Adams” on FanDuel TV, Gronkowski congratulated Capobianco, a Yankees season ticket holder, on his “shine” in that moment.

“Here's a little fun fact… That guy there that grabbed Mookie Betts' glove was my college friend,” Gronkowski told host Kay Adams, pointing to footage of Capobianco, 38, and his friend John Peter, also at it incident was involved.

“He was a member of the hockey team, the Arizona Wildcats club hockey team. And let me tell you, the entire hockey team was an absolute lunatic. It was indescribable how wild these guys were…animals.

“For him to do that represents him very well. I mean, he's all for his teams. He's betting everything on the Yankees. I remember him talking all the time about the Yankees and how much he loves them. And that describes him perfectly: He simply does everything to help his team.”

A laughing Gronkowski added, “I just want to say congratulations on shining when your moment came.”

Adams was shocked when Gronkowski seemed enthusiastic about Capobianco after his infamous act, which occurred in the first inning of Game 4 of the World Series.

Two Yankees fans were ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after picking a foul ball out of the glove of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in the first inning at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024.
John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

“No, I’m not saying it’s OK,” the four-time Super Bowl champion explained. “I haven't spoken to him in a while. I mean, this whole group were lunatics. They were fun, that's for sure. He’s a funny guy.”

A native of Branford, Connecticut, Capobianco played for the Arizona club ice hockey team from 2006 to 2008 after previous stints with the Boston Harbor Wolves and the New Hersey Hitmen.

“If Gronk calls you a lunatic, that’s all you need to know,” Adams said, adding that the behavior was “unhinged.”

“This is unacceptable, definitely in the world of sports,” Gronkowski said. “But when you’re that big of a sports fan, that’s what fans do whenever they get the chance.”

Rob Gronkowski announced during an appearance on FanDuel TV's “Up & Adams” on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, that he is friends with Austin Capobianco, the Yankees fan who was suspended for Game 5 of the World Series . X/UpandAdamsShow

Gronkowski doubled down on his comments, calling Capobianco a crazy person during their college days in Arizona.

“Austin was a college friend,” the future Hall of Fame tight end wrote Wednesday. “Very passionate about the teams he represents. I will do anything for her. He's also a menacing, wild boy and the kind of person who would undoubtedly say he would do that and then actually do it. Insanity status since college has been confirmed.”

Capobianco and Peter will be excluded from Game 5 and will receive a refund of their ticket prices.

Two Yankees fans were ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after picking a foul ball out of the glove of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in the first inning at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024.
John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

It is currently unclear whether the suspension will last beyond Wednesday's game if the series moves back to Los Angeles.

“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the Yankees said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“The safety of players, fans and stadium staff is the fundamental element of every event at Yankee Stadium and must not be compromised.

“Tonight is the last home game of the year and we want all the passion of our fans to shine through. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but exuberance in supporting your team should never cross the line and intentionally put players at physical risk.

Two Yankees fans were ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after picking a foul ball out of the glove of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in the first inning at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024.
AP

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior exhibited last night. These fans will not be allowed to attend tonight’s game in any way.”

Capobianco and Peter were escorted out of Yankee Stadium after battling for the ball with Betts, who initially caught Gleyber Torres' foul ball near the right field wall.

Torres was ejected by the right field umpire for fan interference.

Capobianco told ESPN that he and Peter had previously discussed what they would do in a situation where the ball reached their spots in right field.

Two Yankees fans were ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after picking a foul ball out of the glove of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in the first inning at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024.
John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco said while at a local bar after the game. “We won’t bother attacking. If it's in our area, we'll ramp up “D.”

“Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We are ready for this.”

Capobianco added that fans near his seats knew he was patrolling the area.

Betts downplayed the incident after the Dodgers' 11-4 loss and said he was fine.

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in the Bronx.

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