Rob Gronkowski says he knew Yankees fan in bizarre World Series moment: ‘Congratulations for shining’

Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski shockingly revealed on Wednesday that he knew one of the New York Yankees fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts’ catch in Game 4 of the World Series.

Gronkowski appeared on “Up & Adams” and spoke about the play with Kay Adams. The two fans were ejected from the game after the play. He pointed to the man who ESPN identified as Austin Capobianco.

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“That guy right there grabbing Mookie Betts’ glove was my friend in college,” Gronkowski said. “He was on the ice hockey team – the club Arizona Wildcats team. The whole hockey team, they were absolute maniacs. They were undescribable (sic) just how wild these guys … animals.

“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 the time, how he loves them so much. And that describes him perfectly. Just doing whatever it takes to help his team out. He is a beauty.

“I just want to say congratulations for shining when your moment came.”

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Gronkowski did not defend the men for what they did.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, #50, makes a catch in foul territory as a New York Yankees fan interferes during the first inning of Game 4 of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Oct. 29, 2024. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

“I’m not saying it’s OK. … It is unacceptable definitely in the world of sports but when you’re that big of a fan, that’s what fans do whenever they have the opportunity to do that,” he said.

Capobianco told ESPN he knew he would be kicked out of the game, but he opted to ignore the rules and grab Betts anyway.

“We always joke about the ball in our area,” he said. “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.”

Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski looks on before Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 12, 2023. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

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The two fans are banned from attending Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, the New York Post reported.

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