Flyers Cover Up Kate Smith Statue After Racism Allegations

The longtime iconic Philadelphia Flyers singer and one of the most widely popular radio performers of the 20th century may be seeing a fall from grace.

The Flyerswill no longer play Kate Smith's version of "God Bless America," announcing this week that they had removed it from their library following the discovery that numerous songs she performed early in her career contained racist lyrics.

In addition, the Flyers have, for now, covered up the statue of Smith that stands near the Wells Fargo Center with black tarp.

"We have recently become aware that several songs performed by Kate Smith contain offensive lyrics that do not reflect our values as an organization," the team said in a statement. "As we continue to look into this serious matter, we are removing Kate Smith's recording of 'God Bless America' from our library and covering up the statue that stands outside of our arena."

The New York Yankees, who have used Smith's "God Bless America" for years, also reportedly announced this week that they will no longer play it, pending a further investigation.

The New York Daily News reported that Smith recorded multiple offensive songs, including ones called "That's Why Darkies Were Born" and "Pickaninny Heaven."

Both the Yankees and the Flyers made clear that they are continuing to look into the lyrics of the songs and have not made a final determination.