The message displayed on the arena’s scoreboard appeared to praise Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jessica Clark/X
Based on data from CNN
The San Jose Sharks team issued an apology after, during Hispanic Heritage Night at the arena, an offensive message appeared that could be interpreted as support for ICE – the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A video released by CNN showed the wording that appeared on the scoreboard:
“SJ SHARKS fans love ICE!! Go, boys!”
– CNN
According to Jessica Clark, who told CNN, she and a group were “shocked by the message.”
“They’re my favorite team – I even have a tattoo – but this is something they should note.”
– Jessica Clark, CNN
Reactions and Consequences
In a later statement released on X, the club said that during the first intermission of today’s game an offensive wording provided from outside was shown by mistake. Sharks Sports & Entertainment assured that this message does not reflect the organization’s values and was not identified during routine review. The team expressed deep disappointment and stated that it is investigating the origin of the message.
“Their actions show signs of criminal offenses described in Article 345 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, ‘Threats or violence against a law enforcement officer’ and Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, ‘Deliberate destruction or damage to property.’
– National Police
According to the club, the incident occurred during an event titled “Los Tiburones Night,” the ninth annual celebration highlighting the Sharks’ commitment to the active Latino community in the Bay Area. In the game, the Sharks fell to the Penguins 3-0. The incident underscored the need to strengthen internal content-review procedures before publication to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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