Blue Bombers’ receiver Lucky Whitehead is in hot water on social media after he offered to buy a Winnipeg fan a beer for engaging in a fight at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
The incident, which was caught on video, occurred during Sunday’s Labour Day Classic between the visiting Bombers and host Saskatchewan Roughriders, garnering thousands of views on social media. A man in an Andrew Harris no. 33 jersey is seen on camera being shoved over by a man in a Roughrider jersey before responding with several punches, prompting an all-out brawl in the section behind the Winnipeg bench.
Whitehead shared the clip via his X account following the game and urged the Bombers’ fanbase to identify the man in question, saying “I got a beer for you.”
#33 I got a beer for you! #FortheW twitter find me this man. https://t.co/a2s60umVG7
— Lucky Whitehead (@Luck2fastt) September 2, 2024
The post quickly gained traction on the platform and was roundly criticized by fans across the league, though Whitehead did not rescind his offer. As of the publishing of this article, the tweet has not been deleted and the veteran receiver has continued to defend his position after being accused of promoting fighting in the stands.
“I’m encouraging the support [blue heart emoji] this app is not butterflies and roses. Relax,” he responded to one concerned commenter.
Whitehead also didn’t appear moved by the argument that children could be unnecessarily exposed to violence by virtue of his post.
“They’re going to see it regardless, the man is fighting for us I’m just trying show my appreciation on the support,” he responded to another.
Several prominent CFL personalities were among those who criticized the 32-year-old receiver in the replies. Jamie Nye, host of 980 CJME’s The Green Zone, called on the CFL to issue a fine for the comments, calling it “a garbage thing to support.” Former Riders’ sideline reporter Daniella Ponticelli called out the behaviour of the fans involved in the fight as “unacceptable, period,” adding that “a CFL player simply cannot endorse this.”
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers held on for a 35-33 victory in the Labour Day Classic, moving into first place in the West Division. Whitehead recorded just one catch for four yards but served as his team’s primary returner, amassing 58 yards off of four punts and 83 yards from three kickoffs.
The Bombers (6-6) and Roughriders (5-6-1) will meet again for the Banjo Bowl rematch in Winnipeg on Saturday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
