Mascot Named PorkChop, Seething Commences

When it comes to something named after a pork product, my first reaction is this involved the delicate sensibilities of Muslims. But what do you know, in this case, it's Puerto Ricans who are offended.

I had no idea.

Regardless, people are just too damn sensitive.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two days after naming its mascot "PorkChop," the Philadelphia Phillies' new Triple-A affiliate abruptly dropped the moniker after receiving complaints from Hispanics that it was offensive.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, whose mascot is a large, furry pig, had selected PorkChop from more than 7,300 fan submissions. The team, which begins play in 2008, announced Monday that the mascot will be named "Ferrous" instead.

General Manager Kurt Landes said he heard from several Hispanics who said PorkChop was derogatory.

That's all it takes, folks, several people to complain and Landes folded like a cheap camera. Geez, he may need to enter sensitivity in a show of solidarity.

"We were really unaware of any negative connotations with the word 'pork chop,"' he said. "If it offended a few, it's a few too many."

That's the American spirit, Kurt. Cave at the first sign of protest.

Forget the fact nobody has any respect for you now.

Guillermo Lopez, vice president of the Latino Leadership Alliance, said he was called "pork chop" when he worked at Bethlehem Steel decades ago.

"If my parents were alive, they'd be having fits," said Lopez, among those who complained to the team. "It meant much more to them than it does to Puerto Ricans now in the Lehigh Valley."

Get over it, Guillermo.