Feds sue Cubs, say renovations to Wrigley aren’t ADA-compliant
The federal government sued the Chicago Cubs on Thursday and accused the team of failing to make Wrigley Field accessible to those with disabilities when the century-old ballpark was modernized in a halfbillion dollar project that added luxury seating, bathrooms and restaurants.
The lawsuit filed by U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. says the team’s 1060 Project “has had a significant adverse impact on individuals with disabilities and their ability to access Wrigley Field.” It asks for compensatory damages and civil penalties and demands that the team fix the problems to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the lawsuit, the renovations that began in 2014 and were projected to cost more than $550 million removed the best wheelchair seating in the stadium, failed to include it in new premium clubs and stuck it in the last row of the bleachers, where it is blocked by drink rails or fans standing up to cheer.
The Cubs said in a statement that they are disappointed that the lawsuit was filed and said they hope the matter can be resolved amicably. The team said the renovation of the ballpark, a national and city landmark, “greatly increased” accessibility in accordance with the law and the historic preservation standards, with 50% more accessible seating options, 11 more elevators and enhanced audio assistance for fans with hearing impairments.
Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues and a longtime holdout against many of the newer trends in sports stadiums. The 1060 Project aimed to provide fans with the amenities — and the team with revenue — of a modern stadium while maintaining its traditional charm.
THURSDAY’S GAMES NATIONAL LEAGUE
Rockies 8, Padres 5: Randal Grichuk doubled twice and drove in three runs, C.J. Cron had two hits in his return to the starting lineup, and host Colorado beat San Diego. Cron, the Rockies’ lone All-Star selection, missed three of the past five games with a wrist injury suffered Friday night at Arizona.
ELSEWHERE
Yankees-Angels trade: New York reacquired utility player Tyler Wade from Los Angeles for a player to be named or cash. The speedy Wade was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre. The 27-yearold hit .218 with 22 runs, five doubles, a homer and eight RBI in 67 games with the Angels this season before being designated for assignment on July 3. Wade was acquired by the Angels from the Yankees for a player to be named or cash on Nov. 22.
Yankees: The oft-injured Luis Severino was placed on the 15-day IL, one day after leaving his start against Cincinnati with right shoulder tightness. Red Sox: Boston is set to get pitching reinforcements for their weekend series at the New York Yankees with the expected return Friday of starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Garrett Whitlock from the injured list.
Guardians: Cleveland starter Aaron Civale has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right wrist after pitching just one inning in Wednesday night’s loss to the Chicago White Sox.
Reds: Mike Moustakas was placed on the injured list by Cincinnati without an injury designation, an indication the move was likely related to COVID-19 protocols.
Rays: Tampa Bay placed starter Shane Baz on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow sprain. The Rays have 17 players on the IL, which ties the Cincinnati Reds for the most in the major leagues. Twelve of the injured players are pitchers.
Dodgers: Freddie Freeman’s former agent and his company have sued a radio host for libel, alleging Doug Gottlieb falsely claimed Casey Close never informed the first baseman of the Atlanta Braves’ last contract offer. Close and Excel Sports Management filed the suit in U.S. District Court, accusing Gottlieb of “false, disparaging and derogatory” comments in a tweet they claimed were made “in a grossly irresponsible manner.” Gottlieb is affiliated with Fox Sports, the Pac-12 Network and CBS Sports, according to the suit.