MLB

Team Lights Up Victory Cigars, Is Reported To Health Department By Fans

The Cincinnati Reds decided to celebrate their first playoff berth since 1995 by lighting up victory cigars in their clubhouse after defeating the Houston Astros 3-2 on Sunday night. Now they’re being investigated by the Health Department for violating Ohio’s statewide smoking ban.

If that weren’t bad enough, the Reds’ own fans are the ones who reported them.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, five people called a smoking ban complaint hotline as the Reds’ clubhouse celebration took place. Team owner Bob Castellini could be seen handing out and lighting up the victory stogies, and some (annoyingly) vigilant Ohioans took exception.

According to the Enquirer, “no fine is attached to any initial violation.”

Watch out, though: if you are caught smoking by an inspector a second time, you could be fined $100. The fine goes up to $500 after that.

The Reds, it should be noted, weren’t officially cited this go-around. A health inspector has to physically see you smoking for anything to be official (video doesn’t count), and will most likely be paying an unannounced trip to the Reds clubhouse within the next thirty days to see if he can catch anybody.

Which means that if Cincinnati wins a playoff series this year, they’ll have to go with a more covert way of celebrating their victory. Like dropping acid, perhaps.

[h/t Fanhouse. Photo via]