Yankees distance themselves from gang-related apparel

The New York Yankees responded to a group of concerned East Harlem parents who called for the team and Major League Baseball to stop selling hats from a cap manufacturer that adds gang colors and symbols to some of their items.

According on Newsday, hats were fashioned with a crown above the "NY" or with red or blue bandannas stitched in. Those symbols are well-known short-hand signs for street gangs such as the Latin Kings, the Crips, and the Bloods, according to Johnny Rivera, president of the Coalition to Protect Our Children.

"The New York Yankees were completely unaware that caps with gang-related logos and colors had been manufactured with the New York Yankees logo on them," the team said in a statement. "These caps were made under a licensing agreement between New Era and Major League Baseball and were not subject to the Yankees approval nor shown to the New York Yankees at any point prior to their retail distribution.

"The New York Yankees oppose any garment that may be associated with gangs or gang-related activity. Upon learning of the existence of these caps this morning, the New York Yankees contacted Major League Baseball. We were notified by the Commissioner's Office that steps had already been taken to recall the caps from all points of sale. The league ensured that no such product will be manufactured in the future."