Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Boston Police to Seek Charges Against Yankees

gov135 · 10-20-2003, 04:43 PM

Boston Police to Seek Charges
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1642579

BOSTON -- Police have decided to seek assault and battery charges against Yankees reliever Jeff Nelson and right fielder Karim Garcia for a bullpen brawl with a Red Sox employee.

A spokesman for the Suffolk County district attorney, David Procopio, said police planned to ask a clerk-magistrate Tuesday to schedule a show-cause hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to charge the players.

"Boston police have conducted a very comprehensive investigation and moved slowly with good reason. We wanted to make sure we had the clearest picture of what occurred," Procopio said Monday.

He said the hearing would probably be scheduled for November.

Garcia and Nelson, in Miami for Game 3 of the World Series against the Marlins, said they were unaware of the plan by police to seek the charges.

"There's nothing to say. We'll see what happens and go from there," said Garcia.

Paul Williams, a part-time grounds keeper at Fenway, contends the two Yankees attacked him for cheering for the Red Sox during the ninth inning of the Oct. 11 game in the AL championship series.

Williams was treated and released from a hospital after the fracas.

The Yankees have said Williams provoked them.

"It's still got to work its way out. It's a long way from being done," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday.

Williams' mother, Phyllis, said her son had no comment Monday.

Red Sox spokesman Kevin Shea said Monday that the "last we heard, that matter was still under investigation."

"Boston police will handle it in the appropriate manner and best way they see fit and we have every confidence that they will," he said.

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Now, seeking charges means absolutely nothing. Even IF they are held on charges AND plea down the two will have to clean up a roadside on a random Saturday.

Feel free to comment on the above article. But why I really posted the article is because twenty years ago, this would not have been an issue. But now, it's a hot topic. The question is, "Should athletes be held responsible in a criminal court for actions on the field?"

Should Mike Tyson have been held for assault against Evander? How about that hockey player (I'm not a big hockey guy) that nearly killed that guy on an over-aggressive play? Attempted murder? Should Bill Romanoski (sp.) face criminal charges for the practice incident? If Robert Reynolds seriously hurt Wisconsin's QB Sorgi should he have faced criminal charges?

My thoughts: If you step onto the field, you are taking a risk. Part of the risk is that someone may go over and above accepted standards of aggression - and you may be hurt as a consequence. But since that individual puts themselves at risk, there should be no criminal charges.

Post your thoughts.

10-20-2003, 04:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	Boston Police to Seek Charges Against Yankees Boston Police to Seek Charges http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1642579 BOSTON -- Police have decided to seek assault and battery charges against Yankees reliever Jeff Nelson and right fielder Karim Garcia for a bullpen brawl with a Red Sox employee. A spokesman for the Suffolk County district attorney, David Procopio, said police planned to ask a clerk-magistrate Tuesday to schedule a show-cause hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to charge the players. "Boston police have conducted a very comprehensive investigation and moved slowly with good reason. We wanted to make sure we had the clearest picture of what occurred," Procopio said Monday. He said the hearing would probably be scheduled for November. Garcia and Nelson, in Miami for Game 3 of the World Series against the Marlins, said they were unaware of the plan by police to seek the charges. "There's nothing to say. We'll see what happens and go from there," said Garcia. Paul Williams, a part-time grounds keeper at Fenway, contends the two Yankees attacked him for cheering for the Red Sox during the ninth inning of the Oct. 11 game in the AL championship series. Williams was treated and released from a hospital after the fracas. The Yankees have said Williams provoked them. "It's still got to work its way out. It's a long way from being done," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday. Williams' mother, Phyllis, said her son had no comment Monday. Red Sox spokesman Kevin Shea said Monday that the "last we heard, that matter was still under investigation." "Boston police will handle it in the appropriate manner and best way they see fit and we have every confidence that they will," he said. ____________________________________________________ Now, seeking charges means absolutely nothing. Even IF they are held on charges AND plea down the two will have to clean up a roadside on a random Saturday. Feel free to comment on the above article. But why I really posted the article is because twenty years ago, this would not have been an issue. But now, it's a hot topic. The question is, "Should athletes be held responsible in a criminal court for actions on the field?" Should Mike Tyson have been held for assault against Evander? How about that hockey player (I'm not a big hockey guy) that nearly killed that guy on an over-aggressive play? Attempted murder? Should Bill Romanoski (sp.) face criminal charges for the practice incident? If Robert Reynolds seriously hurt Wisconsin's QB Sorgi should he have faced criminal charges? My thoughts: If you step onto the field, you are taking a risk. Part of the risk is that someone may go over and above accepted standards of aggression - and you may be hurt as a consequence. But since that individual puts themselves at risk, there should be no criminal charges. Post your thoughts.