By Jackson Coleman, Michigan Advance
Local leaders, public health groups, and student athletes met Monday at The Corner Ballpark, the former Tiger Stadium, to support a new rule that would ban smokeless tobacco in Detroit’s professional stadiums.
The event, called “Knock Tobacco Out of the Park,” is part of a national effort to protect kids and send a clear message that tobacco doesn’t belong in sports.
Speakers included Minou Jones from the Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition, Kevin O’Flaherty from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal, Pershing High School baseball players, and several health experts. Among the topics discussed were the harm caused by products like tobacco chew and dip and how seeing players use them can influence kids to start.
Jones said this issue is both professional and personal for her.
“Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in the United States,” she said in an interview. “In Michigan, we lose over 16,000 people every year to tobacco. I lost my father to COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. He was a huge sports fan, but he started using tobacco when he was a kid. Most smokers and vape users start when they’re young.”
When asked what she’d say to young people who already use tobacco, Jones added there are healthier ways to cope.
“A lot of youth go through stress like adults, and we need to help them handle it in better ways. Tobacco leads to so many health problems. My message is simple: don’t let the devil hook you. Nicotine is more addictive than crack cocaine or heroin — and just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s good for you.” Jones said.
Right now, many stadiums already ban cigarettes and cigars, but not smokeless tobacco. If passed, Detroit’s new rule would fix that and make the city one of about 18 with full smokeless-tobacco bans in Major League Baseball stadiums.
Supporters said this change would help protect players, fans, and especially young athletes from addiction and health problems. Councilman Durhal said the city has a chance to set a strong example for the next generation.
The Detroit City Council is expected to vote on the proposal soon, after Durhal said the Public Health & Safety Committee passed the proposed ordinance, moving it forward to a public hearing.
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