A video circulating on social media filmed inside Wrigley Field shows an older Chicago Cubs fan named Robert “Bob” Chavez leaning down to a younger fan who is sitting during the singing of the national anthem. Chavez says, “Get up!” The young man acts defensive and refuses to stand, at which point Chavez smacks him on the back of the head. The guy then gets to his feet and stands for the rest of the anthem.

Guy at a Chicago Cubs game refuses to stand during the National Anthem!

The guy behind him gets pissed and does this…. pic.twitter.com/C4iKqPX7Co

— Brandon (@LibOrNormal) July 20, 2026

One bystander was disapproving, but the rest had a thrilled delight dancing in their eyes.

Of course, the internet response was divided. On the one hand, many people were happy to see an older gentleman ensure that respect for our country was shown. Others disingenuously asserted that the “love tap” was assault and violence, and that the young man had every right to sit through the anthem.

Personally, I view the smack as a proper, fatherly even, enforcement of the social code. When you are at a public event and “The Star-Spangled Banner” is played, it is customary, respectful, and socially appropriate to stand and remove your headgear.

Chavez asked nicely at first, but when the young man began acting like a twit, the gentleman gave him a little reinforcement. How many of us have had a similar smack — not hard, but definitely with purpose — from our dad when we were acting like a fool in public?

Fathers and men of older generations are necessary and crucial, and this is a good example of why.

A glancing blow to the back of the head is hardly a violent attack. Leftists are too quick to label things “violence” that are not, in fact, violence — for example, misgendering, speech they don’t like, and the “OK” hand gesture. Meanwhile, they will use bona fide violence as their so-called speech and call it “mostly peaceful.”

TMZ was happy to inform the public that the Chicago police were aware of the smack but could do nothing at this time. I’m sure the cops of Chi-raq have more pressing violent attacks to attend to — you know, like the 219 homicides that have occurred since January 1.

There is another twist to this story. It turns out that Chavez is a Vietnam veteran, and he was trying to instill in the young man a sense of decorum, patriotism, and respect for the people who fought for his right to sit on his bum.

Chavez said he wouldn’t get physical with anyone again. In fact, he made amends with the young man, even buying him a beer and talking it out.

Regardless, I still think Chavez’s smack was in line. Certainly when you’ve sacrificed so much to give the unpatriotic young man sitting in the stands in front of you his freedom and privilege.