Packers Leadership Speaks Out
The state of Wisconsin woke up to a rare and powerful message from Green Bay Packers President and CEO Ed Policy, who addressed the viral “Brewers Karen” controversy that has dominated national headlines.
In his statement, Policy called the remarks made by Shannon Kobylarczyk — the woman caught on video shouting “Call ICE!” at a Latino U.S. veteran during the National League Championship Series — “Un-American, Disrespectful, and Entirely Against What Wisconsin Stands For.”
Policy went further, confirming that Kobylarczyk is now permanently banned from Lambeau Field and all Packers-related events.
“We don’t tolerate hate — not in Green Bay, not in Titletown, not under the American flag,” Policy declared.
His words instantly went viral, earning praise across social media and being shared by thousands of Packers fans, veterans, and even rival NFL communities.
The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm
The controversy began during Game 2 of the NLCS between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field.
In a video that spread across every major platform, Shannon Kobylarczyk — quickly nicknamed “Brewers Karen” by users online — was seen shouting “Call ICE!” at Ricardo Fosado, a Dodgers fan of Latino descent and a U.S. military veteran.
Fosado, visibly shocked, stood his ground, stating that he had served in two wars and was a proud American citizen.
The confrontation escalated when Kobylarczyk allegedly tried to grab his phone, prompting security intervention.
Both individuals were later escorted out of the stadium, but public outrage centered almost entirely on Kobylarczyk’s behavior — seen as an example of casual racism and xenophobia that still haunts parts of American sports culture.
Within 24 hours, her employer, ManpowerGroup, confirmed she had been terminated, citing “a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination or harassment.”
She also resigned from the Make-a-Wish Wisconsin Board of Directors.
Green Bay Draws a Line
While the Brewers organization quickly condemned the behavior, the Green Bay Packers became the first NFL team to publicly comment on the matter — and they did so with unmistakable force.
In a detailed statement released Wednesday morning, Ed Policy connected the incident to a larger responsibility shared by all sports organizations:
“The values of sports — teamwork, respect, and unity — mean nothing if we stay silent in the face of hate,” Policy said.
“Lambeau Field is sacred ground to millions of Americans. It’s a place where people of every color, language, and background stand together. That will never change.”
Policy’s words were widely interpreted as a direct rebuke not just of Kobylarczyk’s comments, but of the broader climate of division spreading across the nation.
Fans and Players React
The reaction from Packers Nation was immediate and emotional.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #TitletownUnited began trending within hours of Policy’s announcement.
Fans flooded the team’s official posts with messages of support:
“This is why we love Green Bay — it’s not just football, it’s family.”
“Lambeau stands for something bigger than wins. Thank you, Ed Policy.”
Packers players also joined the chorus.
Linebacker Rashan Gary reposted the statement with a heart and flag emoji.
Quarterback Jordan Love added:
“Respect — that’s the standard. Always.”
Even rival fans chimed in, with one Chicago Bears supporter writing:
“I hate the Packers every Sunday, but today… respect.”
A Statement Bigger Than Football
Analysts say Ed Policy’s firm, values-driven response reflects the Packers’ deep-rooted community identity — a team owned by the people, for the people.
In a time when sports can often feel divided by politics or race, Green Bay’s stand has become a model of what leadership can look like in 2025 America.
Political commentators praised the message as “simple but patriotic,” with CNN describing it as “the moral playbook other teams should follow.”
At the close of his statement, Policy summed up the team’s position with words that will likely echo through Lambeau for years:
“The Packers don’t just play in America — we represent it.
And in our house, hate has no home.”