Pittsburgh Pirates Face Backlash for Removing Roberto Clemente Tribute for Alcohol Ad

The Clemente family, fans, and critics denounce the decision, with Roberto Clemente Jr. planning to address the issue directly with the team.

The Pittsburgh Pirates replaced a longstanding tribute to Roberto Clemente on the right field wall at PNC Park with an advertisement for Surfside canned cocktails.
Roberto Clemente Jr. expressed shock and disappointment, stating that his family was not informed or consulted about the removal of the tribute.
The Pirates defended their decision, describing the tribute as 'temporary' and pointing to other existing honors for Clemente, but their explanation has not mitigated public outrage.
Fans criticized the move as disrespectful to Clemente's legacy, highlighting broader frustrations with the team's ownership and management under Bob Nutting.
The controversy has also negatively impacted Surfside’s reputation, as fans associate the brand with the removal of the Clemente tribute.