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

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.

____________________________________________________

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.

The_Dude · 10-20-2003, 05:16 PM

i dont think anything major is going to come out of this. like u said, they might end up doin community service.

bananaman · 10-23-2003, 03:16 PM

Um, they assaulted an employee of the Red Sox, its not a boxing match, and not even another player, an employee of the team, there to do his job. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, they shouldn't get slaps on the wrist.

crewsor · 10-23-2003, 07:20 PM

This is entirely different from a willing participant in a violent sport such as Tyson - Holyfield.
This was an employee who by most accounts made the mistake of cheering for his home team in the visiting bullpen.
He was beaten and kicked by a couple of spoiled atheletes who assume they are above the law.
If it were you or me we would have been arrested already.
But beings it was who it was, I doubt even if they are charged there will be any serious consequences.
I don't think this is a first for Nelson either. I seem to recall him being involved in something similar previously.
Just another example of sports building character I guess.

petergriffin24 · 10-24-2003, 06:13 AM

I hope they get locked up for a decade for them to not be able to sit on the bench and not start shit with a bullpen security dude is ridiculous. If he insulted me yelled at me sprayed me with shit and I was a major league pitcher I would just look at him and laugh and think about how much friggin money I am making sitting on my ass. The Yankees are losers and I want to see those guys in jail for a month that would be great!!

Midlandmadman · 10-24-2003, 09:59 AM

From the posts it looks like alot of Redsox fans are pissed..... I for one think there is more to it then the guy that got beat up is letting on.... I am sure he did more than just cheer for his team. I do think Garcia went a bit over board..(didn't he leave the playing field by hopping the fence to get at the guy)

I hardly think they will do jail time or community service. They might get fined though. If they find out that the guy beat up didn't really do anything..... which I highly doubt.

mb99usa · 10-24-2003, 10:05 AM

I'm neither a Yankees or Sox fan.

The guy had to do something to get them started. These guys sit in visiting bull-pens half the season. If simply cheering for the home team was the offense than they would be in a fight every other day.

I'm not saying they should not be held accountable but the truth of what started the fight needs to be determined.

crewsor · 10-24-2003, 03:41 PM

I don't care for Boston or the Yankees honestly. But the reports I've heard have the Boston police as witnesses. Just what could have the guy done short of assaulting the players that would justify them beating and stomping him?
If it was verbal on his part, no matter what he said, it doesn't justify assault.
I understand the dude works with retarded children for Crissakes.

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.

10-20-2003, 05:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	i dont think anything major is going to come out of this. like u said, they might end up doin community service. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

10-23-2003, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
crewsor Women want me. Men fear me. Location: Maryland,USA	This is entirely different from a willing participant in a violent sport such as Tyson - Holyfield. This was an employee who by most accounts made the mistake of cheering for his home team in the visiting bullpen. He was beaten and kicked by a couple of spoiled atheletes who assume they are above the law. If it were you or me we would have been arrested already. But beings it was who it was, I doubt even if they are charged there will be any serious consequences. I don't think this is a first for Nelson either. I seem to recall him being involved in something similar previously. Just another example of sports building character I guess. __________________ We all have wings, some of us just don't know why.

10-24-2003, 09:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
Midlandmadman Redwing fan extraordinaire Location: Michigan	From the posts it looks like alot of Redsox fans are pissed..... I for one think there is more to it then the guy that got beat up is letting on.... I am sure he did more than just cheer for his team. I do think Garcia went a bit over board..(didn't he leave the playing field by hopping the fence to get at the guy) I hardly think they will do jail time or community service. They might get fined though. If they find out that the guy beat up didn't really do anything..... which I highly doubt. __________________ Its good to be back.

10-24-2003, 10:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
mb99usa Keep on rolling. It only hurts for a little while. Location: wherever I am	I'm neither a Yankees or Sox fan. The guy had to do something to get them started. These guys sit in visiting bull-pens half the season. If simply cheering for the home team was the offense than they would be in a fight every other day. I'm not saying they should not be held accountable but the truth of what started the fight needs to be determined. __________________ So, what's your point? It's not an attitude, it's a way of life.

10-23-2003, 03:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
bananaman Upright	Um, they assaulted an employee of the Red Sox, its not a boxing match, and not even another player, an employee of the team, there to do his job. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, they shouldn't get slaps on the wrist.

10-24-2003, 06:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
petergriffin24 Insane	I hope they get locked up for a decade for them to not be able to sit on the bench and not start shit with a bullpen security dude is ridiculous. If he insulted me yelled at me sprayed me with shit and I was a major league pitcher I would just look at him and laugh and think about how much friggin money I am making sitting on my ass. The Yankees are losers and I want to see those guys in jail for a month that would be great!!

10-24-2003, 03:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
crewsor Women want me. Men fear me. Location: Maryland,USA	I don't care for Boston or the Yankees honestly. But the reports I've heard have the Boston police as witnesses. Just what could have the guy done short of assaulting the players that would justify them beating and stomping him? If it was verbal on his part, no matter what he said, it doesn't justify assault. I understand the dude works with retarded children for Crissakes. __________________ We all have wings, some of us just don't know why.