April 03--Common wants to see the Jackie Robinson West Little League team get back what he believes is rightfully theirs.
The Chicago rapper-turned-actor signed a petition last month asking that Little League International reinstate Jackie Robinson West's national championship. Little League International stripped Jackie Robinson West of its title in February because it said team officials intentionally recruited players outside the team's neighborhood limits.
"I was speaking at St. Sabina (Catholic) Church and talked to the team, and they told me they had this petition," said Common (real name: Lonnie Lynn) over the phone March 27 while promoting his Tanqueray-sponsored appearance at Ovation in West Town the following day. "I said 'Yeah, definitely, I'll sign and support the cause.'"
Common followed the team closely during it's run to the championship last year and has frequently showed his support on social media. First baseman Trey Hondras is his friend's nephew, according to a Chicago Magazine interview.
"I don't believe that -- whatever rules may or may not have been broken -- their intentions were to be sneaky," Common said. "I think those young men worked hard to get the level of recognition they got. They represent something so positive for the city. That title is not just an athletic achievement, but also on a social level. Some of the players come from poor backgrounds and don't have a lot of opportunities. Those young men have inspired us all to achieve. I don't think it's good to take that away. It's not productive."
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