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July 07, 2009
NYC pays $10k to fan for "God Bless America" ejection
Yet another long national nightmare is over:
New York City will pay $10,001 to settle a federal lawsuit on behalf of a Queens man who was ejected from the old Yankee Stadium last August after trying to use the bathroom during the playing of "God Bless America." In addition, the team has publicly declared that it has no policy prohibiting fans from moving about during the playing of the patriotic song, which the team began playing during games after 9/11.
The New York Times, which reported this, doesn't say why the city will be paying the settlement (plus $12,000 in legal fees), given that it's the Yankees who were being sued. (The plaintiff was ejected by a New York City police officer, but they typically work off-duty for the team as security.) The Times also didn't indicate whether as part of the settlement the Yanks have promised not to go to back to their old method of barricading fans in their seats with chains.
Good. I never understand the playing of that song personally. It totally neglects the fact that many Americans (and indeed many who died on Sept 11th) are and were Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, etc... The 7th inning stretch is for "Take me out to the ballgame", but if you want to sing a patriotic song how about "Stars and Stripes Forever" or "America! $*%& yeah!"
Posted by Dan on July 7, 2009 06:56 PM
Love the "America! F#%k yeah!" suggestion.
Posted by David on July 8, 2009 07:16 AM
IN for America F!@K Yea !!
Posted by Mark on July 8, 2009 02:03 PM
Neil,
Saw the article with the accompanying picture and I was struck by the black security guard "chaining" in the white ticket holders.
Nice role reversal!
Posted by Chris M on July 8, 2009 11:45 PM