The Minnesota Twins’ AAA affiliate is standing firm in its decision to name its live pig mascot “OzemPig”… this after several fans shouted opposition.
The São Paulo Saints – known for their game-day antics – traditionally employ young pigs to help deliver balls to referees… and hold an annual contest to come up with a silly nickname for each animal (past winners include Presunto Solo , Notorious Pig, etc.).
This year’s winner beat out contenders like Porky Blinders and Sloppenheimer… but as soon as the name was announced, some people thought it flirted with fat-shaming, considering it’s an homage to the popular weight-loss medication.
Oh, Oh, OzemPig, four-legged swine Saints getting lean for 2024 season
Article: https://t.co/zz7zPoxoEF pic.twitter.com/EobLdTIEVa
– Santos de São Paulo (@StPaulSaints) March 25, 2024
@StPaulSaints
To further anger the haters, the team made a fictional story about how the pig was ashamed of his figure and promised to “show off his defined abs and hocks” throughout his tenure as ball pig.
Vice President of Santos Sean Aronson addressed non-swine reactions this week… claiming he understands what the naysayers (if only this were a story about a ball horse) are saying, but “there was no ill intent, there was no malice, there was never even a discussion in the room when we were discussing the name, hey, this might offend some people.”
Despite the criticism, Aronson said OzemPig is here to stay… as the team knows deep down the true intent behind the name.
Ironically, the organization changes ball hogs a few months into the season as the youngsters grow in size…so I hope no one gets upset about the name of the next oinker.
