Buffalo Bills Chairman and CEO Terry Pegula Issues Strong Statement Following “Brewers Karen” Scandal

Orchard Park, New York – In a powerful and resolute message that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Buffalo Bills Chairman and CEO Terry Pegula addressed the viral controversy surrounding “Brewers Karen,” a scandal that has gripped national headlines and sparked intense debate about inclusivity in American sports.

In his statement, Pegula condemned the actions of Shannon Kobylarczyk—the woman caught on video yelling “Call ICE!” at Ricardo Fosado, a U.S. veteran of Latin descent during the National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Pegula called her remarks “divisive, disrespectful, and completely contrary to the values of the Buffalo Bills and our community.”

He further declared that Kobylarczyk is now permanently banned from Highmark Stadium and all Bills-related events. “We do not tolerate hatred—not in Orchard Park, not in Highmark Stadium, not under the Bills Mafia banner,” Pegula stated emphatically.

The statement, released early Friday morning, was met with an outpouring of support from fans, players, and even rival NFL communities, quickly going viral across social media platforms like X.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The controversy erupted during Game 2 of the NLCS at American Family Field in Milwaukee. A video, which rapidly spread across social media, captured Kobylarczyk—now infamously dubbed “Brewers Karen”—shouting “Call ICE!” at Fosado, a Dodgers fan and proud U.S. veteran. Fosado, unfazed, stood his ground, declaring he had served in two wars and was a proud American citizen. The confrontation escalated when Kobylarczyk allegedly attempted to grab his phone, prompting security to intervene.

Both individuals were escorted out of the stadium, but public outrage zeroed in on Kobylarczyk’s behavior, widely seen as a stark example of racism and xenophobia in American sports culture. Within 24 hours, her employer, ManpowerGroup, terminated her employment, citing a “zero-tolerance policy for discriminatory or harassing behavior.” Kobylarczyk also resigned from her position on the Board of Directors of Make-a-Wish Wisconsin.

Bills Leadership Draws a Line

While the Milwaukee Brewers swiftly condemned the incident, the Buffalo Bills became the first NFL team to publicly address the issue, doing so with unmistakable conviction. In a detailed statement, Terry Pegula tied the incident to the broader responsibility of sports organizations to foster unity:

“The values of sports—teamwork, respect, and community—lose all meaning if we stay silent in the face of hatred. Highmark Stadium is a home for millions of fans from every walk of life. It’s where we come together as Bills Mafia, united by our love for the game and for each other. That will never change.”

Pegula’s remarks were seen as a direct rebuke not only of Kobylarczyk’s actions but also of the broader divisive rhetoric that has crept into sports culture in recent years.

Bills Mafia and Players Rally in Support

The response from Bills Mafia—the passionate fanbase of the Buffalo Bills—was immediate and heartfelt. On X, the hashtag #BillsMafiaUnited trended within hours of Pegula’s statement. Fans flooded the team’s official posts with messages of support:

• “This is why we bleed red, white, and blue. Thank you, Terry Pegula, for standing up for what’s right.”

• “Highmark Stadium is our home, and there’s no room for hate in our house.”

• “Bills Mafia is family—ALL are welcome here.”

Bills players also voiced their support. Quarterback Josh Allen reposted the statement with a simple “💪 #BillsMafia,” while wide receiver Stefon Diggs added, “Respect is the standard. Always will be.” Even fans of rival teams, including one Miami Dolphins supporter, chimed in: “I may root against the Bills on game day, but today, I’m proud to stand with you.”

A Statement Bigger Than Football

Analysts note that Pegula’s value-driven response reflects the deep community identity of the Buffalo Bills—a team that embodies the resilience and spirit of Western New York. In an era where sports can be divided by politics or prejudice, the Bills’ stance has been hailed as a model for leadership in 2025. Political commentators called Pegula’s message “a unifying call to action,” with ESPN describing it as “a blueprint for how sports can lead in challenging times.”

Pegula closed his statement with words that will likely resonate in Highmark Stadium for years to come:

“The Buffalo Bills don’t just play in America—we represent America. And in our house, hatred has no place.”

As the NFL season progresses, the Bills’ response to the “Brewers Karen” scandal may mark a turning point, not just for the team, but for the broader sports world. The message is clear: in Buffalo, unity and respect are non-negotiable.