L.A. City Council doubles reward in Giants fan's beating to $100,000 as political pressure mounts
Outrage over the Giants fan attacked in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium after Thursday’s season opener continues to be felt.
The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the two suspects has grown to $100,000 after the Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to double the previous total.
The City Council’s pledge of $50,000 follows $25,000 offered by the Dodgers, $10,000 by Supervisor Mike Antonovich, $10,000 by the Giants and $5,000 by the American Medical Response.
AMR is the company that employs the 42-year-old victim, Bryan Stow, a father of two from Santa Cruz. He remains in critical condition in a medically induced coma.
The unprovoked attack is drawing a growing focus from politicians, which can’t be good for the Dodgers. On Monday, Antonovich asked for increased security around the stadium and more strict limits on alcohol sales.
"The Dodgers organization has an obligation to make security a top priority now," he said. "Denying that lack of security played a role in this attack is simply sticking their head in the sand."
Councilman Ed Reyes, whose district includes Dodger Stadium, called the incident a "black eye" on the city and also said the team needs to reassess its policies regarding alcohol sales and post-game security.
The Dodgers currently end alcohol sales after the seventh inning. Some teams extend sales until the eighth inning.
Councilman Dennis Zine, a former L.A. police officer who once worked at the notoriously rowdy Raiders games, suggested the Dodgers match the reward offered by the city.
"I hope the Dodgers will step forward and add to the reward," Zine said.
Meanwhile, the Giants have announced they will dedicate their first home game against the Dodgers on Monday to Stow. They plan to accept donations to help him and his family.
-- Steve Dilbeck
It has been mentioned that there are gang elements in the area that identify using Dodgers caps. It is so sad that this has hi-jacked such a wonderful and historic organization. But I have to say, the Dodgers should immediately switch the cap color, logo, or something that makes a statement to gang bangers that this is not acceptable.
Posted by: Sean | 04/05/2011 at 03:17 PM
I hope $100,000 helps someone come forward. I pray that is does. Lets all pray that it does.
Posted by: Andre | 04/05/2011 at 03:19 PM
where is the la city council getting these $50,000 from? the city IS broke! this event happened under the dodgers watch! they are the responsible party. i hope the relatives of the victims sue the dodgers and the city.
Posted by: kuruc | 04/05/2011 at 03:28 PM
Given the current rate of reproduction this is just a sign of things to come.
Welcome the America 2025.
Occurrences such as this will become commonplace.
Posted by: waus | 04/05/2011 at 03:45 PM
Good, I hope they catch those Cholos....
Posted by: Sean77 | 04/05/2011 at 03:46 PM
The city needs to pull the dodgers alcohol permits.
That will drive McCourt out faster than you can say loan default, and will keep the bad element out.
Negotiate a licquor license with new owners contingent on strict limits and adequate security.
Problem solved.
Posted by: derek | 04/05/2011 at 03:55 PM
I have to agree with Dennis Zine on the Dodgers matching the City's reward offering. Frank step up to the plate and make it happen!
Posted by: Mark | 04/05/2011 at 03:55 PM
This is a sorrowful time in the history of this rivalry but the teams shouldn't take blame because this is just a crime committed by a deranged person.
Posted by: OldBrooklynFan | 04/05/2011 at 04:25 PM
Why, because he's a paramedic?
Posted by: stubborn4Life | 04/05/2011 at 04:39 PM
WHO'$ alcohol do you drink? Los Doyers?
I sent a comment to the dodgers organization before opening day. Everywhere you go.. Oakland, San Diego, Anaheim, Rosebowl, Coliseum, They let you tailgate & bbq. Not the dodgers. Before the game there are dozens of rent a cops handing out citation and warnings for people drinking near or in their cars. But after the game... Good Luck finding a single security guard. Drink that... TICKET! Drink this overpriced water and go away.
"i'm going thru a divorce, so i got no money"
Posted by: gabriel | 04/05/2011 at 04:46 PM
@kuruc - You just contradicted yourself by saying that the Dodgers, not the city, is responsible. Yet you want the victim’s family to sue both the city and the Dodger organization? The only justice is to bring the criminals responsible for this beating to trial. This is about thugs who belong in jail. Not the Dodgers or the City of Los Angeles.
Posted by: Gerry | 04/05/2011 at 04:48 PM
This probably won't be the most popular opinion here, but as a Dodger fan, my embarrassment at the situation is starting to be matched by my disgust at the exploitation by the other side. It reminds me of when some extremist from a political side commits a horrible crime, and the other side mentions it at every potential opportunity, until you suspect that their main focus is to score points. Yes, McCourt didn't get out in front of this. Yes, all Dodger fans should be embarrassed, like I already said. But tell me- why do the Giants need to wait for the DODGERS to come into town to dedicate a game to the victim? So all those nice, classy Giant fans can feel good about the good guys in Orange and Black, beating those mean boys in Blue, as us barbaric fans in the southland riot in the streets, enraged at the site of our neighbors to the north getting the best of us?
Look, I don't want to turn this into a Dodger vs. Giant thing, as there are far more important things at stake here. But it seems the Giants organization has had no problem doing that. So my suggestion to fellow Dodger fans- donate a few bucks to the charity, and remind the Giants and any baseball fans accross the country that may not know that the < .1% of the thuggish "fans" that commit these horrible crimes don't speak for the rest of us.
Posted by: Scott from Marina Del Rey | 04/05/2011 at 04:51 PM
Your move Frank.
Posted by: 16blows | 04/05/2011 at 04:51 PM
The pictures of the suspects should be on the front page until they are caught.
Posted by: Chris | 04/05/2011 at 04:57 PM
i hope they get caught soon. its so sad that this paramedic and father of two may have brain damage as a result of those cowards.
Posted by: TTM2 | 04/05/2011 at 05:01 PM
This was likely nothing to do with beer drinking baseball fans, but probably "hopped up meth heads" from the local barrio...Sanctuary cities need to be eliminated to end protection of these scum bags. I have been a Giants fan since their move to SF and have enjoyed a healthy rivalry between these two great clubs the whole time. We finally beat everyone for the World Championship and it's glory is stomped out by a couple of low life, gang bangers who in typical fashion for their kind, attacked from behind and then ran off into their "hood".
End subsidized housing, food stamps, medical care, (including birthing of the anchor babies) and deport ALL mexicans. (not Mexican-Americans) but ALL mexicans without REAL citizenship which requires their "Allegiance" to America
!!! No more bi-lingual publications...etc...In SF we chant "Beat LA" NOT "Hate LA"!
Posted by: Larry Santa Cruz | 04/05/2011 at 05:07 PM
Yes, now we have a nice round number...$100,000. Hopefully, that should bring a few more witnesses forward. It's too bad no one was able to get the car's license number. It's also too bad that McCourt couldn't spring for more than $25,000.
Posted by: bob cuomo | 04/05/2011 at 05:46 PM
What a disgrace. Not that the LA city council put up $50,000 but that the Dodgers only put up a lousy $25,000. That shows how cheap Frank McCourt is. He can afford to put up at least $50,000. It's not like the city of LA has tons of cash laying around to give away. McCourt also needs to open up his wallet and hire more security.
Posted by: Brian | 04/05/2011 at 05:48 PM
"i hope the relatives of the victims sue the dodgers and the city."
I can understand them suing the Dodgers but why the city? Frank McCourt owns the parking lot and the ballpark. None of this has anything to do with the city of LA. It's nice of them to add to the reward. This is all on Frank McCourt and the Dodgers.
Posted by: Brian | 04/05/2011 at 05:50 PM
Well come on people, we all know someone saw something, Speak up! Los Angeles needs to wake up! Rem the sketches and knowing theres a chola involved and even she should be charged for child endangerment for having her child with these douche-bags and charged as an accessory as well!
Posted by: The Todd | 04/05/2011 at 06:08 PM
The next reward will be for Dodger owner Frank McCourt who has gone on the lam. McCourt should be called before the LA County Grand Jury to explain his reckless disregard for public safety at Dodger Stadium. "You could have 2,000 policemen there, and it's just not going to change that random act of violence," McCourt said Saturday. Insane thinking? Criminal thinking? MLB or the City or the County should move in and take control of Dodger Stadium and bring in additional law enforcement personnel....limit alcohol sales....put some decent lighting in the parking lots........and then let the jury decide if Mr. McCourt is an honorable civic minded man of great wisdom or a money grubbing amoral businessman playing russian roulette with the safety of Dodger Stadium fans. Isn't there anyone in the Dodger Organization...in MLB...or the City...or the County who will do the right thing? Anyone?
Posted by: skyharbor | 04/05/2011 at 06:33 PM
Hey how much is St. Vin-dawggie putting in?
Posted by: rusoviet | 04/05/2011 at 07:34 PM
I am a Giants fan living in LA and I always wear all my Giants garb to the game. I wonder if the guy who committed this heinous act was the same guy who told me Opening Day, "You better be glad I am a gentleman". I thought I was always a little more safe because I was a woman but maybe not. It's just a game people!
Posted by: Judy | 04/05/2011 at 07:53 PM
Haven't been to a dodger game in three years and this is exactly the reason why. In 2003 someone was shot, in 20009 someone was stabbed and now this, and the owner do not think they have a problem with the lack of qualified security in the parking lot. What a joke. Who allowed him to by the team anyway?
Posted by: ashya | 04/05/2011 at 07:57 PM
I'm a mexican american 45 yrs. old.I'm not a gang member, but I'm Mexican. I have been a Dodger Fans all my life. L. A. Mexicans, Mexicans all over So. Cal. have liked Dodgers forever, it is a very passionate sport. Things can go bad,like this fight. I will continue to have fun at Dodger games.Even though people are trying to make our culture responsible for this fight.I will continue going with my 8 yr.old son and have a blast.You need more security,lights,less beer sales,for 50,000 plus people(HELLO). Quit blaming groups.
Posted by: caesar | 04/05/2011 at 08:02 PM
Larry Santa Cruz: Easy there… This has nothing to do with barrios or social programs. It’s about a couple of idiots dressed in Dodgers gear.
And for this Dodgers fan that’s lived in Monterey since 1995; I’ve attended several Giants games at Candlestick & Pac Bell where liquored-up idiots dressed in Giants gear were verbally brutal to opposing fans. I’ve also seen security guards at Pac Bell escort Dodgers fans out of their left field pavilion seats for their own safety. 99.9% of Giants fans are good natured, but just like any where you go in the world, there’s always a few idiots.
Posted by: Central Coast is not No Cal | 04/05/2011 at 08:04 PM
The Dodgers need to make a statement.
The team should employ the Yankee uniform code. Get back to basics. Clean shaven, show the stirrups, no baggy pants, and wear the hat correctly. . . Nothing a gang member can copy.
This would be a start. Then , ban any alcohol sales after the fifth inning, limit sales to ONE per customer, and stop any and all beer promotions.
Add security to all parking lots, and if any problems? Lock down the gates.
Finally, the LAPD should start policing the 'exiters' for DUI's.... That's right. Start writing tickets !!! This will stop the overconsuming alcoholic from drinking too many beers, wouldn't it? When is the last time you heard of some cop pulling over a fan after a game? Never !!!
Posted by: waldobinney | 04/05/2011 at 08:07 PM
As a beloved Los Angeles Dodgers fan I would like to apologize to the Stow family. This is a baseball rivalry no a civil war. We need to respect each other, once we take off our beloved team's apparel we are all regular people with wifes, husbands, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters; etcetera. Will pray for a quick recovery .Once again my apologies go to the Stow family
Posted by: Sergio | 04/05/2011 at 08:40 PM
@Scott -- I think the Giants would have had the dedicated day on Monday whether or not the Dodgers were the opponent. Part of Friday's home opener will be dedicated to Bryan Stow, but Friday-Sunday's games against the Cardinals are booked solid with World Series & Rookie of the Year celebrations. Having a separate night to help fund-raise for his family and medical expenses makes more sense both in allowing it to receive its own attention and to not mar what will be a raucously joyous occasion for long suffering Giants fans.
And as a life long Giants fan, I know this heinous act is not typical of all Dodger fans. I've spent many a game in good-natured ribbing with Dodger fans over the years. Hopefully the hoodlums who did this will be arrested and severely punished.
Posted by: mnm | 04/05/2011 at 10:33 PM
It's very sad what happened, my thoughts and prayers are with Bryan Stow and his family.
I really hope people who saw this or know of who did this speak up because that's the right thing to do. Unfortunately there are people out there that are to proud to speak up or in their own words, " be a rat." The people who saw this happen and are withholding information are just as guilty in my opinion. I guess we cant expect much from LA, I mean they can't even figure out who shot the legendary rapper, Christopher Wallace!!
Posted by: ThatOneArtist | 04/06/2011 at 01:47 AM
The city needs to pull the dodgers alcohol permits.
That will drive McCourt out faster than you can say loan default, and will keep the bad element out.
Negotiate a licquor license with new owners contingent on strict limits and adequate security.
Problem solved.
Posted by: derek
===============
I agree with derek in part. I made a similar comment on another blog post and on an article yesterday, but I'm doing it again here.
The city must revoke the Dodgers' liquor license immediately, not just until a new owner is in place, but permanently. This will put McScum in an even worse financial bind than he's already in, and one that he probably will not be able to finagle his way out of.
Alcohol has no place in sports venues. It just attracts an unsavory crowd and causes problems that have nothing to do with sports. If you can't enjoy a sporting event without booze, you shouldn't be there at all. Relegate all the drinkers to sports bars and keep them out of sports venues where there are young children and where they frequently interfere with real fans' enjoyment of the proceedings.
Posted by: K | 04/06/2011 at 07:11 AM
100k will buy a lot of tacos. One of their friends will roll. The problem is they probably fled to Mexico already.
LA hs done a really nice job with their gang problem.
Posted by: Bob Ryan | 04/06/2011 at 09:36 AM
This is nothing new...It goes into the expensive seats also. And you have to walk back to your car.
http://www.gaslampball.com/2009/10/12/1081495/dodger-stadium-security-is-the
Posted by: Jim | 04/06/2011 at 12:01 PM
I like to respond to this gentleman:
The team should employ the Yankee uniform code. Get back to basics. Clean shaven, show the stirrups, no baggy pants, and wear the hat correctly. . . Nothing a gang member can copy.
This would be a start. Then , ban any alcohol sales after the fifth inning, limit sales to ONE per customer, and stop any and all beer promotions.
Add security to all parking lots, and if any problems? Lock down the gates.
Finally, the LAPD should start policing the 'exiters' for DUI's.... That's right. Start writing tickets !!! This will stop the overconsuming alcoholic from drinking too many beers, wouldn't it? When is the last time you heard of some cop pulling over a fan after a game? Never !!!
Posted by: waldobinney | 04/05/2011 at 08:07 PM
Waldobinney is correct......on all accounts. First off, real ballplayers wear stirrups and not the current long white slacks....wonder why they do not trip over their trousers.
Second, I agree ONE beer per customer, maximum size 12 ounces.....and cut off beer sales at the end of the SIXTH Inning! Plus more security at the end of the game rather than the beginning of the game.....better lights, I agree since most of the Dodger Stadium parking lot is very dark going out to the appropriate lot.
Another thing, two or three idiots do not make the rest bad people. I went to a Dodger-Cardinal game last year, my first Dodger game in years, and yes, there were a few "happy" people who had a few too many, but nothing scary. What happened last week was an isolated incident that ended up tragic. My question is, who has the guts and balls to come forth and identify these parasites??? With all the phones that have cameras and all the extra junk, no one had the brains to use it to film A CRIME!!!! Bet you they love to use it to film all the other stupid stuff....don't believe me, check out youtube.com and you see your idiots posting on a daily basis.
My thoughts are with the wonderful gentleman and hope he gets better. Think of it, people, this man may have saved YOUR life or a life of a loved one at one time.
Edward R. Meek
Posted by: Edward R. Meek | 04/06/2011 at 12:02 PM
It's a shame that it has taken this event to draw attention to Dodger Stadium. After twice visiting all stadiums in the MLB, I've never witnessed anything remotely close the problems that occur there.
Items like this have been occurring for years now, but it took a coma to draw national attentiont to it.
The writing was on the wall, just check out the Dodger Stadium review on the site Stadium Journey where in the FANS section it clearly cites all types of this activity going on. The conclusion then calls for the "good" Dodger fans and do something about it.
Posted by: Frank | 04/06/2011 at 12:43 PM
I pray for this guy and his family.
Nobody should be surprised by this. Violence, rudeness, drunken and disorderly are the norm for sporting events. More so in football, but baseball has its fair share.
If the teams really cared, you wouldn't see anymore alcohol being sold at sports events. We all know that would never happen because it brings in too much revenue.
Posted by: William | 04/06/2011 at 12:53 PM
@Scott: The Giants don't open their home season until the Dodgers come to town. Maybe that's why? Use your head. And stop with the ".01 percent" argument. All Dodger fans are guilty at the stadium when they laugh at the thugs' behavior & when the chant "Giants Suck". And yes, Giants fans are better fans. We shout "beat LA!", which has no personal attack or violence attached to it. It clearly refers to the contest on the field. You reply with "Giants suck!". Very personal and verbally violent as well. I had a Dodger fan tell me "It's the same thing. It's meant in the same way". I then pointed out that while I have no problem with my 4 year old hearing "Beat LA", but I would never want him hearing "Suck" shouted by 20,000 people. My friend paused a moment and then got it. It's different, whether you like it or not. There was a time when Giants fans had the same label (back in the Candlestick days), but that's long in the past, & I don't remember anyone being shot or beaten to death. Have some objectivity!
Posted by: john | 04/07/2011 at 06:19 PM