Muslim Leaders 'Shocked And Disappointed' By Joe Ricketts' Emails

CHICAGO — Chicago Muslim leaders held a press conference Tuesday in response to billionaire Joe Ricketts' racist emails, which were leaked by the website SplinterNews.com. Both Ricketts and his son, Cubs' chairman Tom Ricketts, have apologized for the emails; however the Muslim leaders said an apology is not enough.

In the emails, Joe Ricketts called Islam a "cult and not a religion."

"Christianity and Judaism are based on love, whereas Islam is based on 'kill the infidel,' a thing of evil," the billionaire wrote. He also reportedly called Muslims the "enemy."

Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Chicago chapter, said he's glad that the emails were leaked, so the problem can be addressed.

“What kind of playing out of these sentiments would occur within the Cubs establishment against fans, against players who were Muslim who want to play on the team? Would they play out in discriminatory fashion?"

Rehab said that Tom Ricketts reached out to his group after the emails were posted.

"So what we need to address very clearly and concretely is what ways the Cubs establishment, beyond apologizing for the emails being leaked, step up and show through concrete action that they recommit to the anti-bigotry values of Chicago, to work with the Muslim community, to show that in concrete fashion, and other communities affected by this very problematic, hatred rhetoric,” Rehab said.

In a statement, Joe Ricketts said he "deeply regrets" the emails, which also include conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama and racist jokes.

''Sometimes I received emails that I should have condemned. Other times I've said things that don't reflect my value system," the 77-year-old billionaire stated. "I strongly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong.''

In a statement released Monday, Tom Ricketts noted that his father is not involved with the operation of the Cubs "in any way."

"Let me be clear: The language and views expressed in those emails have no place in our society," he stated. "I am trusted with representing this organization and our fans with a respect for people from all backgrounds. These emails do not reflect the culture we've worked so hard to build at the Chicago Cubs since 2009."

The elder Ricketts is the founder and former CEO of TD Ameritrade, and the father of Pete Ricketts, governor of Nebraska, and Todd Ricketts, who is the Republican National Committee finance chair.

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