Cubs family patriarch apologizes for racist emails

CHICAGO (AP) — The patriarch of the family behind the Chicago Cubs has apologized after an online media outlet published emails in which he took part in racist comments and conspiracy theories.

Some of the emails Splinter News published Monday featured Joe Ricketts making Islamophobic comments, such as "Islam is a cult and not a religion." Others included conspiracies about former President Barack Obama's birthplace and education.

Ricketts, who founded TD Ameritrade, apologized for the emails.

"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 Ricketts said. "I strongly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong.