Fan Ejected From Yankee Stadium

[Guest American Woman]

Man Says Cops Kicked Him Out When He Tried To Go To Men's Room During 'God Bless America'

A Queens man is considering legal action against the New York Yankees after he was ejected from Tuesday night's contest against the Boston Red Sox for trying to use the restroom during the playing of "God Bless America."

During the patriotic 7th inning stretch at Yankee Stadium, nature called on Bradford Campeau-Laurion. When he tried to leave his seat during the traditional singing of God Bless America, however, he says he was stopped by a NYPD officer who said he'd have to wait until the song was done.

"I then said to him, 'I don't care about God Bless America. I just need to use the bathroom.' As soon as I said that, he immediately pinned my arm behind my back," Campeau-Laurion told CBS 2.

The 29-year-old says two officers pinned both of his arms behind his back and ejected him from the stadium.

This isn't even our national anthem. And since when is the 7th inning stretch a patriotic stretch?"

This is definitely one of those "Only in America" moments.

[Shady]

I don't really see any problem here. As an adult, you wait for the song to end, and then make your way to the bathroom. I could see an issue if it was a child, but 29 is not a child.

[Peter F]

Lordy! There's even rules of when its proper to go the washroom!

[BubberMiley]

I don't really see any problem here. As an adult, you wait for the song to end, and then make your way to the bathroom. I could see an issue if it was a child, but 29 is not a child.

You have no problem with the police detaining you because a song is playing? Do you really have that much contempt for individual freedom?

[noahbody]

I once had to take a whiz during Take me out to the ball game. I don't recall being thrown out.

[jefferiah]

Man Says Cops Kicked Him Out When

During the patriotic 7th inning stretch at Yankee Stadium, nature called on Bradford Campeau-Laurion. When he tried to leave his seat during the traditional singing of God Bless America, however, he says he was stopped by a NYPD officer who said he'd have to wait until the song was done.

You did not quote the entire article though. What interested me when I read your snippet were the words "HE SAYS he was stopped.......".

Later on in the same article...

The NYPD told CBS 2 a different version of the story, however, saying in a statement:

"The officers observed a male standing on his seat, cursing, using inappropriate language and acting in a disorderly manner while reeking of alcohol, and decided to eject him rather than subject others to his offensive behavior.

http://wcbstv.com/local/yankees.bathroom.e...n.2.804859.html

[moderateamericain]

You did not quote the entire article though. What interested me when I read your snippet were the words "HE SAYS he was stopped.......".

Later on in the same article...

The NYPD told CBS 2 a different version of the story, however, saying in a statement:

"The officers observed a male standing on his seat, cursing, using inappropriate language and acting in a disorderly manner while reeking of alcohol, and decided to eject him rather than subject others to his offensive behavior.

http://wcbstv.com/local/yankees.bathroom.e...n.2.804859.html

O i got this one beat. I was at a Tigers game this summer and it was Military day or something because there was a battalion of US army troopers there. I think they were POTG types. I didnt recgonize there unit as a combat unit. Anyways. I had some sitting infront of me and infront of them was some Obviously Islamic believe people. I don't think they were Arab but maybe Central asia. Anyways, The National Anthem comes on and these people turn there back to the flag. The soldiers I could tell did not like that but they kept there mouths shut about it. Well the game goes on and they get ready to sing god bless America. And these people turn there back again. This time one of the soldiers politely says "Hey guys if you don't want to hear it thats fine, but could you act respectful to the rest of us." And these fans just start saying awful stuff to these soldiers. Like I hope you die in combat. I hope an Arab cuts your head off. Just really off the wall shit. Well by now somebody has gotten the crowd managers attention about it. And he calls in the crew. And they escort every single one of them and seat them in a different area away from the soldiers. Come to find out I guess those were not even their seats.

[Guest American Woman]

You did not quote the entire article though. What interested me when I read your snippet were the words "HE SAYS he was stopped.......".

Of course it's going to quote him. Of course he's the one that's going to "say" what happened to him.

Later on in the same article...

The NYPD told CBS 2 a different version of the story, however, saying in a statement:

"The officers observed a male standing on his seat, cursing, using inappropriate language and acting in a disorderly manner while reeking of alcohol, and decided to eject him rather than subject others to his offensive behavior.

http://wcbstv.com/local/yankees.bathroom.e...n.2.804859.html

I didn't quote the entire article because it wasn't necessary, but the part you quoted was not in the article when I made my post. The article ended with "The Yankees say it's now a police matter."

But wow. The police are denying it? The police are making allegations of misconduct against him? Guess that proves he's full of it, eh? He's just some nut who made up this totally bizarre story, and is willing to possibly make a law suit out of it.

But this would tend to back up his claim: From the New York Times (emphasis mine)--

The national anthem has long been a pregame staple at sporting events. But after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Major League Baseball directed teams to play “God Bless America” before the bottom of the seventh inning at every game. Baseball scaled back the next season, telling teams they needed to play the song only on Sundays and holidays, which is still the case.

Only the Yankees continue to play “God Bless America” at every home game. They are also the only ones to use chains to prevent fans from moving during both songs, which concerns some civil liberties advocates.

"Chains to prevent fans from moving." Can you imagine what the reaction would be if that were happening in China instead of the "land of the free?"

[bush_cheney2004]

I still don't understand why this is a major breach for American civil rights. The Yankees are correct in that it is a police matter and/or a civil case on the part of the "victim". There are a lot of things you can't do in Yankee (or any) stadium during or even before/after a game. The list of possible offenses is long, and if not a criminal act outright, usually have the same punishment...ejection from the stadium/park/theatre/etc.

For instance, I will be ejected from my local (government owned) major league sports venue for any of numerous silly "rules" that I may or may not be aware of. And if I choose to resist ejection, then I invite even more pain.

Pretty simple.

[guyser]

The national anthem has long been a pregame staple at sporting events.

I will never for the life of me understand the need to play an anthem before some "game". Just drop the sillyness I say.

But after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Major League Baseball directed teams to play “God Bless America” before the bottom of the seventh inning at every game. Baseball scaled back the next season, telling teams they needed to play the song only on Sundays and holidays, which is still the case.

Except in one stadium......

Only the Yankees continue to play “God Bless America” at every home game. They are also the only ones to use chains to prevent fans from moving during both songs, which concerns some civil liberties advocates.

"Chains to prevent fans from moving." Can you imagine what the reaction would be if that were happening in China instead of the "land of the free?"

So much for free movement, let alone free speech.

[guyser]

I still don't understand why this is a major breach for American civil rights.

It may very well not be a case of civil rights. I wil have to amend my earlier post.

But what it does smack of is illegal/stupid behaviour on the part of the Yankees/Police. The ticket indicates that any interference with the game is cause for dismissal , any conduct that disturbs fellow patrons same, no recording etc,but from my memory there is nothing to indicate moving from your seat is cause for removal. Nor can I recall any clause that could even come close to that.

If others want to corroborate the police line that he was disruptive etc, fine, then the guy is class A jerk, but should no one step up, well, I guess the Yankees have lots of money to spend.

[Argus]

I still don't understand why this is a major breach for American civil rights. The Yankees are correct in that it is a police matter and/or a civil case on the part of the "victim". There are a lot of things you can't do in Yankee (or any) stadium during or even before/after a game. The list of possible offenses is long, and if not a criminal act outright, usually have the same punishment...ejection from the stadium/park/theatre/etc.

For instance, I will be ejected from my local (government owned) major league sports venue for any of numerous silly "rules" that I may or may not be aware of. And if I choose to resist ejection, then I invite even more pain.

Pretty simple.

The owners of an establishment can ask you to leave, that's certainly true.

That's a far cry from having on-duty police physically manhandle you and drag you out.

[bush_cheney2004]

The owners of an establishment can ask you to leave, that's certainly true.

That's a far cry from having on-duty police physically manhandle you and drag you out.

No it isn't...many cities have uniformed police officers on/off duty at such events. If you so much as say boo when directed to leave (not asked), then it will escalate. There is more to this story than just some innocent guy trying to take a whizz during the 7th inning stretch.

[Argus]

No it isn't...many cities have uniformed police officers on/off duty at such events. If you so much as say boo when directed to leave (not asked), then it will escalate. There is more to this story than just some innocent guy trying to take a whizz during the 7th inning stretch.

That may well be the case. However, I'm commenting on the present information and on people saying that's acceptable behaviour by police - and it isn't.

I'm a big supporter of police when they use force against those who deserve it. I'm a big opponent of police when they use force on people who don't.

[bush_cheney2004]

That may well be the case. However, I'm commenting on the present information and on people saying that's acceptable behaviour by police - and it isn't.

I'm a big supporter of police when they use force against those who deserve it. I'm a big opponent of police when they use force on people who don't.

That's fine...the "victim" can have his day in court. Police officers can/do overstep their authority, but that does not mean that civil liberties have been suspended by the government.

WRT force, police officers are trained to exert control in rising levels of escalation.

[guyser]

That's fine...the "victim" can have his day in court. Police officers can/do overstep their authority, but that does not mean that civil liberties have been suspended by the government.

By overstepping their authority they have breached his rights....assuming of course. There has to be more to this story .

But judging from what has occured with the NYPD in NYC lately, and the Denver police at the DNC, perhaps not.

[bush_cheney2004]

By overstepping their authority they have breached his rights....assuming of course. There has to be more to this story .

But judging from what has occured with the NYPD in NYC lately, and the Denver police at the DNC, perhaps not.

We don't know that based on just the ass-end of the story. This guy can sue the police and the Yankess if he wishes. There isn't a civil rights bogeyman story behind every occurrence of some guy having a run in with the police.

How is it that the vast majority of us manage to go through life without such drama? How many people attend a Yankees game on average without getting "forcefully" ejected? If I don't feel sorry for our victim, that's why.

[guyser]

We don't know that based on just the ass-end of the story.

Thats why I put in the "assuming" part, assuming this is the story and nothing more, which I believe we both agree it isnt.

This guy can sue the police and the Yankess if he wishes. There isn't a civil rights bogeyman story behind every occurrence of some guy having a run in with the police.

Agreed. But we all know the cop, if guilty, suffers nothing more than a finger shake. Thats the rub for me.

How is it that the vast majority of us manage to go through life without such drama? How many people attend a Yankees game on average without getting "forcefully" ejected? If I don't feel sorry for our victim, that's why.

Apparently 48, 625 - 1.......

[Guest American Woman]

I'm a big supporter of police when they use force against those who deserve it. I'm a big opponent of police when they use force on people who don't.

My thoughts exactly.

That being said, forcing "patriotism" is about as pathetic as it gets. Who cares if people show respect during "America the Beautiful?" Some people really need to get a life.

[bush_cheney2004]

That being said, forcing "patriotism" is about as pathetic as it gets. Who cares if people show respect during "America the Beautiful?" Some people really need to get a life.

A lot of people care.....try screwing around during the national anthem at a game to gage social approval.

[Guest American Woman]

QUOTE=American Woman: That being said, forcing "patriotism" is about as pathetic as it gets. Who cares if people show respect during "America the Beautiful?" Some people really need to get a life.

A lot of people care.....try screwing around during the national anthem at a game to gage social approval.

And those "lot of people" really need to get a life. As I said, forcing patriotism is truly pathetic, not to mention totally and completely undemocratic. It's a joke, and the "need to get a life" population makes a mockery out of democracy-- and our country.

[Shady]

And those "lot of people" really need to get a life. As I said, forcing patriotism is truly pathetic, not to mention totally and completely undemocratic. It's a joke, and the "need to get a life" population makes a mockery out of democracy-- and our country.

It's not "forced patriotism". It's called being respectful. Wait a mintue for the song to finish and then go to the bathroom. You may not be aware, but that song has a particular level of meaning in New York, after 911.

[AngusThermopyle]

It's not "forced patriotism".

I think it said they use chains to prevent people from leaving didn't it? If so then I'd say thats force.

As for the respect factor. Well if you have to coerce respect then its not respect at all.

One of the first things my platoon instructer at basic told us was that we had to show respect to the rank and the uniform, but not the man. The man has to earn respect not demand it. The same applies to countries. If you respect your country thats great, but if you have to force someone to respect that country then they don't respect it anyway. So whats the point?

If the guy was just trying to go to the bathroom as he said then I disagree totally with the actions of the Police and the Stadium. I don't give a flying f*ck what others think, if I want to go to the bathroom no one is going to tell me I can't no matter what song was playing. It would have been polite of him to wait until the song was finished though, unless he couldn't.

On the other hand if what the police say is true then by all means, toss his ass out. If the guy was being a dick, creating a disturbance, being a nuisance, then it would be understandable.

However, I still don't like this practice of forcing people to stay. It smacks just a little too much of the propaganda tactics places like North Korea, the former USSR and China use for my taste.

If they tried that in Canada I know that I for one would tell them where they could shove it. No one has the right to restrict anothers movement or free will to choose without a very good reason. Personally I don't consider any song to be a good enough reason to impose such restrictions on others.

[Guest American Woman]

It's not "forced patriotism". It's called being respectful. Wait a mintue for the song to finish and then go to the bathroom. You may not be aware, but that song has a particular level of meaning in New York, after 911.

When that "respect" is forced, it's "forced patriotism." If someone doesn't care about the song, then making them "act respectful," forcing them to "stand still" while it's played/sung out of some half-baked notion of what's involved in being "patriotic," then people are being forced to be patriotic. What else would you call it? Again, it makes a mockery out of democracy. It makes a mockery out of the very country they are demanding "respect" for, and I can't think of many things that would be more disrespectful than that.

[bush_cheney2004]

...If they tried that in Canada I know that I for one would tell them where they could shove it. No one has the right to restrict anothers movement or free will to choose without a very good reason. Personally I don't consider any song to be a good enough reason to impose such restrictions on others.

But it is not Canada....so enjoy your freedom to be rude to others. Down here, that shit doesn't fly. Sometimes you don't get to do whatever you want whenever/wherever you want to do it.

Edited August 30, 2008 by bush_cheney2004