Former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski revealed that he knew Austin Capobianco, one of the Yankees fans banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series after an incident involving Mookie Betts. Gronkowski said they were friends in college at the University of Arizona, and he wasn’t surprised by Capobianco’s actions during Game 4 of the World Series.
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of the “Up & Adams” show on FanDuel TV, Gronkowski congratulated Capobianco, a Yankees season-ticket holder, for his bold behavior, calling it a defining moment for his friend.
“Here’s a little fun fact… That guy right there grabbing Mookie Betts’ glove was my friend in college,” Gronkowski told host Kay Adams, pointing at footage of Capobianco, 38, and his friend John Peter, who was also involved in the incident.
“He was on the ice hockey team, the club Arizona Wildcats ice hockey team. And let me tell ya, the whole hockey team were absolute maniacs. They were indescribable—just how wild these guys were… animals.”
Gronkowski continued, praising Capobianco’s dedication to his team. “Him doing that represents him very well. I mean, he is all in for his teams. He is all in for the Yankees. I remember him talking about the Yankees all of the time, about how he loves them so much. And that describes him perfectly—just doing whatever it takes to help his team out.”
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A laughing Gronkowski then added, “I just wanna say congratulations for shining when your moment came.”
Host Kay Adams appeared taken aback by Gronkowski’s celebratory tone regarding Capobianco’s behavior, which occurred during the first inning of Game 4. Gronkowski made it clear that he wasn’t condoning the act, but he couldn’t help but recognize the passion behind it.
“No, I’m not saying it’s OK,” the four-time Super Bowl champion clarified. “I haven’t talked to him in a while. I mean, that whole group, they were maniacs. They were fun, that’s for sure. He’s a fun dude.”
Austin Capobianco, a native of Branford, Connecticut, played for the Arizona Wildcats club hockey team from 2006 to 2008, after stints with the Boston Harbor Wolves and the New Jersey Hitmen. His involvement in the incident brought back memories for Gronkowski, who said Capobianco’s actions were very much in line with the kind of behavior he remembered from their college days.
“If Gronk is calling you a maniac, that’s about all you need to know,” Adams said, adding that Capobianco’s behavior was “unhinged.”
Gronkowski acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable by sports standards, but he also pointed out that it’s not unusual for die-hard fans to get caught up in the moment. “It is unacceptable, definitely in the world of sports,” he said. “But when you’re that big of a sports fan—that’s what fans do whenever they have an opportunity to do that.”
Gronkowski later took to X (formerly Twitter) to double down on his comments, sharing more insight into his friendship with Capobianco. “Austin was a college friend,” the future Hall of Fame tight end wrote on Wednesday. “Very passionate about the teams he represents. Will do anything for them. A menace, wild boy as well. He is the person that undoubtedly would say he would do that and then actually do it. Maniac status since college has been confirmed.”
Capobianco and Peter have been banned from Game 5 and will receive refunds for their tickets. The Yankees released a statement on Wednesday addressing the incident, emphasizing that the safety and security of players, fans, and stadium staff are top priorities.
“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the statement read. “The safety and security of players, fans, and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity; however, the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
Capobianco and Peter were escorted out of Yankee Stadium after they attempted to pry a ball from Mookie Betts’ glove. Betts had caught Gleyber Torres’ foul ball near the right-field wall, but the interference from the fans led to Torres being ruled out by the right-field umpire.
Speaking to ESPN, Capobianco explained that he and Peter had joked about what they would do if a ball came their way. “We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco said while at a local bar after the game. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.
“Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.” Capobianco also added that fans in his section are well aware that he “patrols the area.”
Despite the controversy, Mookie Betts downplayed the incident after the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss, saying he was fine.
Game 5 of the World Series is set for Wednesday night in the Bronx, with the Yankees looking to avoid elimination and extend the series. Capobianco and Peter, however, will not be in attendance to witness it firsthand.