Advertisement

Four days later, where is the Dodgers’ response to Giants fan being attacked?

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The Dodgers took three-of-four from the World Series champion Giants during opening weekend, and it wasn’t the big story. It wasn’t even close.

That happened opening night, when a couple of thugs beat up a Giants fan and left him fighting for his life. The San Francisco Chronicle said the victim, Bryan Stow, who is in a medically induced coma, has had a portion of his skull removed to reduce swelling.

Advertisement

That this was a despicable, senseless act is pretty much a universal reaction.

Beyond that, though, the Dodgers have struggled mightily in their response. They’ve said little to nothing. Taken no action. Probably are misguidedly listening to some lawyer worried about an inevitable lawsuit.

Which is incredibly stupid. This is a time when Frank McCourt needs to step forward and not hide in the shadow of words and carefully written statements. Needs to be at the forefront. Needs to demonstrate he’s concerned, not just talk about it.

And you just don’t express concern and then proclaim how satisfied you are with Dodger Stadium security in the same breath.

‘You could have 2,000 policemen there, and it’s just not going to change that random act of violence,’ McCourt said.

Wrote Paul Oberjuerge: ‘Now there is a man out of touch. ... Frank doesn’t even grasp the depth of the problem.’

McCourt has been rightfully pounded in the media for his financial maneuverings and so has taken to going into hiding from the media. The only time he talks is at charitable endeavors.

Advertisement

Which allows others to shape public opinion. And they’re not making him look good.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich is the guy offering a $10,000 reward? The Dodgers aren’t the ones jumping forward here? A fund is being set up in the victim’s hometown to cover medical expenses? The Dodgers haven’t leapt at this first?

[Updated 12:35 p.m. April 5: Monday evening the Dodgers announced they had offered a $25,000 reward. In addition to the $10,000 each offered by the Giants and Antonovich, plus $5,000 offered from Stow’s American Medical Response, the total reward is now at $50,000.]

Some lawyer probably whispered that would imply guilt and not bode well in a lawsuit. Damn the lawsuit. It’s the right thing to do. It would show leadership and true concern.

McCourt stands to lose a lot more income down the road by losing nervous fans if he doesn’t seriously recognize and address this incident and the overall problem.

A joint statement by the Dodgers, Giants, et al, was fine but painfully obvious. A video in the eighth inning of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sitting with Giants and Dodgers fans asking they all get along, just swell.

That’s not going to solve the problem, or help Stow. The moment calls for action. A time to be proactive. It’s OK to say we want to do more and will.

Oberjuerge noted an English soccer match was once a dangerous place to be, but a comprehensive approach addressing the problem has largely made it disappear. If there are lessons to be learned, learn them.

Advertisement

A man is clinging to life. The Dodgers are looking impotent, rudderless, befuddled. It’s a time for more than words. A city and a sports community await.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Advertisement