Reds Cigar Celebration Under Fire
After Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce's dramatic walk-off home run clinched the team's first postseason appearance in 15 years last Tuesday, the jubilant squad did what any team in that situation would do—celebrated with Champagne and cigars in the clubhouse.
Everyone who has watched the ups-and-downs of the Reds team was excited, save for five anonymous viewers watching the event from home.
According to media reports, five people called the Statewide Smoking Ban Complaint Hotline to report the victory smoking as a violation of the state's indoor smoking ban, and now state law requires an official inspection must be conducted.
Rocky Merz, spokesman for the State Health Department, said a health inspector will be sent to Great American Ball Park, the Reds home field, within 30 days at about the same time of day as the alleged violation occurred. In other words, an inspector might be attending a playoff game.
"We come in unannounced, obviously," Merz told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
If the inspector witnesses someone smoking, the team could be fined $100 by law.
At press time, the Reds had begun their series with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Read this story to find out who we pick to win and also where you can enjoy a cigar while you watch.
