Ricketts spoke to the Cubs on Monday morning, as he does to begin every spring training, then addressed reporters about his father's emails and other subjects surrounding the organization.
"The emails that are in there were unacceptable and have no place," Ricketts said at spring training camp in Mesa, Arizona. "I apologized for the direct role with the team. It doesn't represent what this organization is. I also said I'm sorry for the distraction this may have created the last couple days.
"Those aren't values my family was raised with. To be honest, I was surprised by the emails. Our family was never raised that way. I've never heard my father say anything that was even remotely racist. It's just not our family values. So, I was a little bit surprised.
"He acknowledged that those kind of statements cause pain. But I love him. That's my dad. He's a great man. He's done incredible things. He's helped children all over the world through his charities. He supports 1,700 schools in Africa. All over East Africa, too -- Islamic East Africa. He's done all the right things.
"I love him. I don't see him in that light. He's a great man. It's just an unfortunate situation."
Joe Ricketts isn't a direct part of the Cubs' organization, though his wealth helped fund the family's purchase of the club in 2009. Tom Ricketts said he's unsure how or why the emails were released.
The Cubs' previous meeting between with CAIR included an apology from Tom Ricketts and stories being shared. The statement released Monday said that, "Both parties agreed to convert the unfortunate circumstances that brought the groups together into a positive opportunity to work together against hate and bigotry."
As part of their effort, the Cubs will include notable Muslims in Cubs and Wrigley Field traditions, feature anti-hate PSAs with team personnel helping to raise public awareness against Islamophobia and provide organizational support for three community initiatives: anti-bullying efforts, diversity and inclusion training and scholarships. Further details will be discussed in future meetings.
Tom Ricketts struck a similar tone.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to further our commitment to diversity and inclusion by joining the Chicago Muslim community in its efforts to eradicate bigotry and Islamophobia," he said in the statement. "My family and I want to thank Ahmed Rehab and Chicago Muslim leaders for the opportunity to meet and have a frank and constructive dialogue about building a better future."