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

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.

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.

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.

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

Comments

[Codzilla]

How about the Cubs vs White Sox rivalry that they promote in Chicago every year? Southside vs Northsiders. There were people getting stabbed and killed in this rivalry. Only because this dodgers incident made the news it becomes an isolated incident? Open your eyes!
How about when they reminisce about the rivalries by showing the fights that starts with the players Dodgers vs Giants. Remember that clip that they keep showing. I never knew that happened until they showed it every year to promote the next Dodger / Giants telecast.

===========

What about the Cubs v. Cardinals? Yankees v. BoSox? There are civilized people out there, most of whom are baseball fans.

I do not feel that the Dodger v. Giants rivalry goes out of its way to promote violence. How many Dodger fans have been killed or put into a coma at AT&T? Are you trying to tell me that only Dodger fans are prone to violence? Come on, dude. How long have you been a baseball fan or a Dodgers fan to have to blame the media for someone's act of stupidity. The media doesn't force you to do anything other than think . If you think violence, then perhaps the problem is with you and NOT with baseball. There are millions of Dodger fans out there who haven't been given orders to kill or maim from Vin Scully.

[Dan Armenta]

So Codzilla wants us all to take personal responsibility for our actions. But doesn't think this should extend to the media - what's wrong with this picture? My point is that we all need to share the resposibility - this includes the media. How about just reporting the game. Why dig up the past and encourage, as Codzilla puts it "reliving old tales of a storied rivalry". Why admire something that encourages a hostile environment. My point is also that it adds to the problems - not that its the whole problem.

[john]

@ Jack S. Was it kids who lit the hillside on fire a few years back? Just curious...You remember the incident I'm referring to? Kids my ass...Go out to the park and see the "kids" all tatted up, holding their drinks in one hand and pushing Giants fans with the other calling us "puta"...Yeah, that happened to me on Thursday, more than once. I was on the PHONE minding my own business and some jack-ass Dodger fan puts his finger into my chest! He was definitely in his 40's, no kid. I walked (jogged, actually) through the same parking lot while those "kids" went hunting. These guys are roving packs of thugs...There were some good-natured interactions with some of the fans who get that it's a rivalry, but you need to check in to reality: Dodger stadium is a dangerous place. And what's with the "shut up"? Are you one of these "kids"?

[Tim]

Let's just reflect on what would have happened if this attack had occurred when the O'Malleys owned the team:

- Parking lot security would have been instantly doubled, damn the cost.
- The team would have offered to pick up all the man's medical bills.
- The team would have put up most or all of the reward for the capture of the thugs who attacked the patron.
- Dodger players would have been dispatched to the man's family and hospital room to serve in whatever way they could.
- The last thing anyone would have worried about was spin.

Under Fox, the Dodgers lost much of their celebrated family feel. Under the McCourts, they have lost all their class. We as fans share some responsibility for this because we continue patronizing the team even though the prices have gone through the roof, the owners have proven to be self-serving carpetbaggers, and the team behaves as though it plays in a small market. If we boycotted the team and left the stands empty, all this would change VERY quickly.

[TVC15]

"I agree, and I hope Dodger fans boycott future games too until real and meaningful changes are made. "

Lets not get hysterical - violence is a symptom but not the reason why this franchise is a disgrace to sports. However draining the owners wallet until he leaves town is the only hope a true 'Dodger' fan has. Why anyone would call themselves a Dodger fan in the 21st century let alone actually patronize the Latrine to support what has been a charade of a formerly great pro sports franchise for over two full decades now is an unabashed insult to the 'Dodgers'. Fans have to destroy the mutation it has become it to ever get anything close to the Dodger Way to root for again. No amount of billboards and olde time, rah rah for yesterday ad campaigns will make it so, this franchise is DINO, like Arnold to the Republicans - a joke. Most shocking that Vin has gone along with the McCourt sleaze for all these years. Good luck.

[Martin]

Steve, thanks for keeping this alive. The Times has a voice; you and your colleagues have power that we fans cannot possibly exert. Please don't let up. That there's a public safety issue is obvious and important enough. But the fact that a civic institution has deteriorated so as to tolerate an atmosphere of violence and fear is an issue of public interest that a great newspaper should, must, address, as much as anything that's happened in the City of Bell.

[Cindy Allen]

I am an Angels fan and after attending a harrowing Angels-Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium last year I will never go again. The "fans" are belligerent bullies who make it impossible to enjoy the game. And they are allowed to do what they want because the security is nonexistent. After being harassed for nine innings we left (the game went into extra innings), and I FINALLY found a "security guard" standing at the top of an aisle watching the game. Frank McCourt does not care at all about the fans or their safety. That is perfectly clear. Until he has the guts to take a stand against the violence at Dodger Stadium and do something about it, fans would be advised to stay away.

[F. Gary Molnar]

I am writing from the East Coast. I have been a Dodger fan since their days in Brooklyn.

It saddens me to hear of this violance happening at the stadium where some of my heros played in the 60's, 70's and 80's.

I have had season seats for the Philadelphia Eagles for over 20 years. A town that has had a rep for bad behavor, but not to the extent of this behavior.

They put an end to bad behavor by being the only NFL team to have a jail in the stadium with a judge on premises.

Frank McCourt, maybe you should call Jeff Lurie, the owner of the Eagles and get some advise.

[Dodger Fan]

I simply will not take my family to a Dodger game until that parking lot has enough security and lights. I encourage a boycott until the McCourts increase fan safety.

[Marie]

Dodger Stadium has the darkest parking lot & the least security in that parking lot of ANY sports venue my family's even been in, & we've been in 'em all over the West Coast.

We don't go to Dodger Stadium any more- too dangerous for our kids.

[Keith]

I grew up in California a Dodger fan; went to Dodger games as often as I could while living four hours away. The military brought me to Texas where I have since retired. I took my family to a Dodger game last summer while on vacation, never again! Dodger Stadium has to be the least "fan-friendly" stadium in Major League Baseball. After the game we were hurried out of the stadium by security. Went to the upper deck fan shop and wasn't allowed in because it was closing...shortly after the game! I asked security why the rush to close and he said it was so they didn't have to be paid overtime. Also took in an Angels game during the same trip...much more fan friendly!

In Arlington, the Rangers play mostly night games just like at Dodger Stadium. But at Ranger Stadium, you're more than welcome to hang out after the game and shop in the fan shop until the last fan leaves. They do not rush you out!

If the Dodgers aren't willing to allow me time spend more money in their stadium because they don't want to pay overtime, imagine where else they're cutting costs at the expense of the fans. Security?

I'll al;ways be a Dodger fan, btui iw on;t return to Dodger Stadium...at least until McCourt is gone.

[skyharbor]

@Martin: Want to echo thanks to you Steve and support for Martin's articulate message. Hope you will keep a copy of it next to your "typewriter" as a daily pat on the back for what you do. Your colleagues might appreciate a copy as well

[G]

It is so easy to blame McCourt for everything, but he is not responsible for the actions of the "fans." How about we learn to act like civilized people? Learn to control alcohol consumption, learn to be true fans, not simply ones who attend a game to get hammered. All you supposed fans are ruining the experience of true Dodger fans, and giving all angelenos a bad name. EVERYONE must step up to the plate and take responsibility.
Lastly, we the true fans cannot stop going to games. Doing so allows those drunken fools to completely take over OUR stadium. GO BLUE!

[Gaucho420]

They may not the respond, but the fans will by using their disposable income on other sources of entertainment. Dodgers are a sham of sports club...an embarrassement to the City.

[Paul]

The behavior at Dodger Stadium started changing when the demographics starting changing. Coincidence?

[Michael Ihde]

Have been a Dodger fan since 1959 and part of a group with season tickets for 34 years until 2009. Enough of the McCourts THEN and even more so NOW with our buddy Frank! What a complete joke and embarassment to the entire city and baseball fans. No heart-felt response, no action, no empathy...
Plus Dodger Stadium has become GANGSTA PARADISE USA!

See Shanna McCord's column in the Santa Cruz Sentinel regarding how the Giants organization has taken action along with the community. Hey Frank--go get another haircut! Prayers to the entire Stow family.

[SLO Dodger]

The type if "fan" responsible for this violence does not read the paper or comment on a blog. They don't understand that a fan enjoys the rivalry between his team and the opponent, therefore you need to respect the other team and their fans. They probably have never even played a competitive sport and they believe that "their team" respects nobody else. Too bad these guys are Dodger "fans". I hope they catch these idiots and make examples of them.

[steve rodriguez]

Frank better be concerned because one of these days there will be a game and he will be the only one sitting in the stands. The Dodger fans now are seriously thinking about staying away forever!

[john]

Dodger fans need to stop the myth that McCourt has anything to do with this "happening". It's been going on since FOX bought the team, and that's fact. Dodger fans let it happen when they teach their 8 year olds that language like "SUCK" is acceptable. Bad parenting at best. acceptance of low-class behavior from ALL DODGER FANS is the problem here. It is, however, McCourt's indifference to the problem of security that keeps it's getting worse.
Security guards are good-natured, but totally unwilling to step in and stop the thugs from going about their work. The LAPD rides around on their bikes trying to look intimidating, but also has no interest in getting off them to step in either. The 32 arrested must have pulled the cops OFF THEIR BIKES to get their attention! I was standing at the top of the escalator outside the park, just talking to a Dodger fan and was accosted several times, once physically within 2 feet of a security guard, he did nothing. I was pushed by a Dodger fan with a drink IN HIS HAND within eyesight of the LAPD and when I pointed that out, they told me "We'll be a lot more concerned with that stuff after the game." Really? This was at 4 o'clock. Maybe they could have started cleaning up BEFORE THE MESS!!

[Tom]

I'm a lifer Dodger fan -- since they were in Brooklyn (and I was in the Bronx!) -- now living amongst the "enemy" in SF. I have generally not understood the whining re McCourt. 4 1st place finishes in 7 years after taking the team over from the Great Satan Fox -- what are you complaining about? However, I do agree that his statement re the attack on the Giant fan was way inadequate. The team should say/do something more.

[Mike DiRuio]

As a Giants fan it is humbling to see the outrage and disgust that most of you have for this senseless act of violence but to the few here who somehow feel that we deserved this just because we had the odassity to wear our jersey's or hat's to your stadium....You're pathetic and a poor excuse for a human being! The Dodger organization and its entire fan base should be embarrassed and the Dodgers should pay this guy's family for any and all expenses as a result of this beating including supporting his family for at least as long as he's fighting for his life. I find it beyond cowardly that no one stepped in and stopped this attack. @Greg--Really? Throwing things at Dodger players? You don't need to make stuff up to hang out dude!...And if there was any "throwing stuff at Dodger players" How exactly does that balance out beating a guy nearly to death? You're pathetic and sub-human! Grow up! It should be on the Dodger fan base to step up and say that we will NOT support this team as long as this kind of behavior is tolerated

[BlueinAZ]

Mike DiRuio:
First of all, thanks for being here and joining this important discussion. You are quite correct, and I think a previous poster even stated something to the effect that the Dodgers under O'Malley ownership would have immediately stepped up and offered to pay expenses for this gentleman, etc., etc. There's really nothing the Dodgers can do or say that would be adequate to the circumstance. But they can try. And they haven't. And that's outrageous. And I think we all agree on that point. Or most of us do. Secondly, any fan should be able to wear their team's gear in any stadium they like and stand up and cheer for their team. Anywhere. And that should certainly be the case in Dodger Stadium. It has been stated that Dodger Stadium has become the most violent sports environment in the country, and I find that incomprehensible -- but difficult to argue with under the circumstances. Thirdly, I have a hard time imagining that any reasonable people could walk past a scene in a parking lot where anybody is being beaten and kicked, and not try to do something about it. I have not heard of anyone who witnessed that scene, period (other than Stow's friends -- did they even say if other people were around? I don't know). It's a dark parking lot. It was a while after the game. Maybe there weren't a lot of people around that area when it happened. I just don't know, but I find it unfathomable that this would happen and someone witness such an event and not at least try to do SOMETHING. But I don't know. Maybe I'm living in the past. Maybe people are in fear for their own safety. In any event, we all agree that something needs to be done, and without question it needs to start at the top. Ownership must own this problem, or it won't go away.

[Steve Siebert]

I want to see Dodger *players* publicly denouncing the thugs responsible for this action and the overall climate of violence and fear being successfully perpetuated by the so-called fans.

Before every home game over the PA, in post-game interviews, in the paper and on TV spots, our "heroes" as Simers likes to call them, should be calling these jerks and criminals out.

Maybe an ongoing public shaming from the names they wear on their backs would provide some deterrence until the McCourts are gone and a real owner can live up to the responsibilities of owning our Dodgers.

[derek]

the solution is the city needs to pull the alcohol license at dodger stadium.

That would send Frank packing and create a much safer stadium. When a new owner arrives, you can reinstate the license when security protocals are approved.

[Lee]

I believe that the security needs to be significantly increased inside and outside Dodger Stadium. If it creates a "police state" as some here insist - so be it.

I remember driving east on the Santa Monica freeway when the 1984 Olympics was opening at the collisium. There was a police car, sheriff's car, or highway patrol car, all with officers, at every exit. This let everyone know that security was present and they were in charge of security at the Olympics.

Now no one is in charge of security at Dodger Stadium. Too bad.

[Brian]

It is definately a black mark on the Dodgers and their fans. This isn't the first time thugs at Dodger stadium have hurt or killed someone. Just a few years ago a Giants fan was MURDERED by a Dodger fan with a gun in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium. Sure there are a few drunken fights at most sporting events and usually ushers, security or fans break up the fights, but not at Dodger stadium. I have gone to games for 20 years at Dodger stadium and I have seen visiting fans threatened or hit for just rooting for a good hit or stolen base. My wife was even threatened with a physical beating by four men for wearing another teams hat. Security did nothing. I have also been to Angel stadium and the Padres stadium for the past 20 years and this doesn't fly. I have seen security and ushers at these stadiums warn fans and then remove them if they get out of hand. And they do it within a minute or two of someone complaining.

[Louie]

We now live in times when the CEO of a company will do anything to make that bottom line, even if it's at the expense and/or safety of his clients.

Frank McCourt is the head of the Dodgers, and he is intent on doing just that.

[Shutomei]

Wow Dan Armenta. You *really* feel that the Dodgers/Giants rivalry promotes violence? Baseball is a sport that is played for our entertainment. If you become equally as violent over WWF matches or believe that reporting on a storied old rivalry is cause to begin killing your fellow citizen, then you have a problem.

For that matter, San Francisco Giant fans also participate in the rivalry, but not to the point of killing or beating someone into a coma. We're far more enthusiastic about the rivalry and hear it from our broadcasters, but haven't killed a Dodger fan over it yet.

Why not stop blaming the media and point the finger where it belongs? Traffic after the game is slow enough to allow someone to chase the perps, yet no one seemed to bother identifying the auto beyond a vague description of the color. The video camera images were not clear enough to identify anyone, which is no surprise since the parking lot is already dark. McCourt has been irresponsible, and his response has been too slow. The media, at least, has helped to keep this story in the public eye long enough to want to help catch these criminals. THAT helps!

[BlueinAZ]

If we're looking for an example of a sports venue with an effective security force, we need look no further than Staples Center. The Lakers don't mess around. During their recent game against Dallas, things were getting out of hand on the court and off it, the crowd was getting tense, and the security force was right on top of things, acting swiftly and decisively when a fan decided to act out. The national TV announcers were quick to hand out high praise to the "red coats". The Lakers stand in stark relief when compared to the Dodgers right now. It's a sad commentary on the current state of the Dodgers, but it's a class model to follow.

[steve rodriguez]

Whenever I go to a Dodger game I pray that I won't be seated next to a Latino gang! Not a Black, Asian or White gang, a Latino gang! There in lies the problem. Go to a Dodger game and see what the racial demographics are these days! For that matter it's true of our city and county too!

[kristine m.]

the points made in this article & all of the subsequent comments are great. i attempted to post a comment in reply to it all, but got a little carried away & due to its length, it wouldn't post..

[Kerry]

I cannot believe someone would have the audacity to do something like this, gang banger or not. This guy is a father. My heart hurts for him and his family, and I hope he can pull through. I absolutely believe a lawsuit should be in order. Regardless of weather or not the Dodgers are 'liable' for an incident like this, it was absolute negligence on the security guards part and someone should be taking full responsibility/action.

[Luther]

The Dodgers are a classless franchise these days! For being such a beautiful ballpark, it's amazing how dangerous Dodger Stadium has become. Night in and night out it is filled with disgusting gang bangers who are a disgrace to the game of baseball, the Dodgers organization, and the city itself. I'm done going to Dodger games -- I'd rather stay home and listen to the best announcer in the history of sports call the game in beautiful HD. The Dodgers should be ashamed of themselves.

Best wishes to Mr. Stow and his family. Hopefully the animals that did this are locked up for a very long time.

[Brother Olbertson]

Most of us Dodger supporters are law-abiding baseball fans. But the percentage of "bad eggs" at Dodger Stadium has been increasing just as surely as the security presence has been diminishing. I've personally apologized to fans of other teams when I saw them getting harassed verbally or had food etc. thrown at them by drunken thugs, but this incident is so far beyond that and it is time that someone in the Dodger organization steps up and "cleans house". That parking lot is downright scary after a game--pitch black, with cars full of drunken louts shooting in every direction. I would like to see the drawings of the faces of the perpetrators more widely distributed, perhaps in TV ads in which Dodger players themselves call for those with knowledge to step forward. We live in a wonderful city here, and it stinks that incidents like this give folks up north absolutely no reason to think so. I lived in San Francisco for many years and have lots of Giants-fan friends. We rib each other all year long, but with respect. This situation is DISGUSTING. McCourt, if you want to improve your image, ACT LIKE A MAN and address this forcefully, with conviction, and with IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS. Saying that "2000 cops couldn't have prevented this" is complete rubbish. If there were 2000 cops around you wouldn't have people feeling pretty secure that they could get away scott-free with attempted murder.

[Angelica]

I haven't been to a Dodger game since that last incident where someone was stabbed in the parking lot. I was talking to my husband last Thursday morning about us going to a Dodger game since we haven't been in almost two seasons and then this incident happened. There is no way we will be going to a Dodger game at least at Dodger Stadium again. They have allowed a culture of hoodlums, gangsters and foolishness dictate the general atmosphere of the stadium. These games are not for families anymore and anyone who takes their family with them is "crazy." The McCorts are making a ton of money off of the fans and can afford to have security in every section, security in the parking lots and cameras all over the stadium. Until they care about their fans, their fans should keep their money to themselves. Also, if Dodger Stadium was so concerned about safety, they wouldn't have games on the schedule that offer fans 1/2 price alcohol. Until they beef up security, and stop the half priced alcohol antics, I am sorry to say, that this will inevitably happen again.

[Brett4]

I'm reading where some people think the fans need to start taking responsibility for their actions. I agree, but the TRUE fans, true Dodger baseball fans are not the one's acting like lunatics. They are they to enjoy a baseball game. It is the thugs that are doing this, I would not hold my breath that they are going to all of the sudden become nice, nice. Sadly, this problem, I don't think is going to go away soon. I went to a Raider/Packer football game at the colisium 26 years ago. Same crap took place. Now I'm hearing these same Raider thugs are going to Dodger games since they do have the Raiders. To those losers, I say stay home and cause crap in your own neighbor hoods. Leave the rest of use baseball fans alone. LOSERS!!!

[Brett4]

More security, more police???? Not needed if we just keep the F-ing gangsters OUT of the stadium. Face the problem head on, don't go around the problem!!! The problem is the loser mexican gangsters. If we only let in true baseball fans and true sports fans the problem would go away very, very quickly. The stadium would become fan, and family friendly again. How refreshing would that be?? Thugs, gangsters, losers, stay away. Go drink your beer somewhere else.

[Brandon]

Can we stop this already? Yes, the media sensationalizes many things. Yes, there is likely a "man bites dog" effect with the violence at Dodger Stadium. But can we please stop all this childish bickering and just agree that this shouldn't happen at a baseball game? If we can just get back to that premise we can then move forward with a solution. Anyone who is taking this tragedy as an opportunity to chastised their rivals and/or generalize behavior of others are missing the larger issue here. This is similar to the Arizona shootings in Janurary, when many of us were trying to call for a more civil political discourse others were disgustingly using the tragedy to further criticize their political opponents. Enough already! Dodger fans, stop pretending this never happens at Dodger Stadium. Giants fans, stop pretending this is the ONLY thing that happens at Dodger Stadium. Let's just all agree that it happened and work toward making sure it never happens again. Can't we all just get along?

[Isaac]

As a Dodgers fan I believe that fans all around need to keep their feelings and emotions in check...and not trash talk with cuss words. That will obviously spark a fight. I been to a couple of giants games and I get the same feedback from their fans. Luckily I've never been injured out there but boy do they hate LA. Even a female worker at a local target trashed talked me and my brother. It was kinda funny cuz we ignored and when she got louder we came back and she stood quiet. This violent trash talk needs to stop from these two storied franchises...they hold the best and most historic rivalry but now it seems as a we're in "no mans land" giants fans won't want to visit beautiful chavez ravine nor dodgers the beautiful at&t park. What happened to Stow was not by a dodgers fan or baseball fan. It was by to gangsters that couldnt keep their feelings in check, by two men who wanted to prove themselves well they sure proved to be punks. My prayers n best wishes go to Brian Stow and family. Not all Dodgers fans nor the Dodgers organization should be looked upon as a bad and rude team. Many of us are plain baseball fans all around that like to attend any baseball game but follow the Dodgers...DODGERS FAN FOR LIFE!!!

[Greg]

Pretty sad....I am a life time Dodgers fan. I brought my son for the first time in his life to the second of these games last week. And I never thought that the Dodgers would have left this poor man to fend for himself. I thought the Dodgers were upstanding and wanting to do the right thing when things would go wrong. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! I am ashamed to be a Dodger fan now. Only low life scum would not come to the aid of this poor man. What has this team (corporation) turned into? They can pay MILLIONS for one player but when it comes to REGULAR PEOPLE you can see where they stand now.

And anyone who thinks I'm being to strong, just put yourself in the place of the family who are watching their father and husband fight for his life.

The Dodgers are absolute TRASH!! And the owners who are more worried about their sickning rich life need to get their divorce and sell the team to someone who can bring dignity back to L.A.

[Tammy]

My husband is a die hard Giants fan. I'm proud to say I'm a Giants fan as well. We joke about "hating" the Dodgers and never allowing anything Dodgers in our house EVER but, last year our (then 3 year old) son started tee ball and you guessed it, played on the Dodgers. Our families werebextatic because they are all Dodger fans! Our son says he "likes the blue ones!" We went to the game last Friday w/the company we work for and specifically asked my husband NOT to wear anything Giants affiliated and we had no knowledge of the attack that took place the night prior. My husband wore his world series t-shirt and we allowed our son to wear his LA ball cap and I wore a hoodie with a very small world seriesn patch that was black and orange. We stayed through the 7th inning stretch before we decided to leave because the tension IN the stadium was so thick and just such a hostile environment we feared for our safety. As we left grown adult men were yelling foul things at me as I walked holding my 4year old sons hand! I sent an email to the Giants organization suggesting they tape a PSA with the team asking there be no retaliation next week. The ONLY way the Dodgers will do anything is if their bottom line is affected. And Dodger fans will never stop going to games in protest of violence towards a Giants fan-I'm sure their mentality is it's HIS fault for being a Giants fan!

[Brett4]

Greg,

Get real. The Dodgers didn't bring the gangs, the gangs came to Dodger Stadium. Put the Blame where it belongs. I'm not a fan of the McCourts, but they are having to deal with a gang problem. Let me ask you, if gangs and thugs started hanging around your home, wouldn't you be a little up-set with our elected officials for not doing there JOB??? Put the real pressure where it belongs, on our elected officials. Let's have them do their jobs!!!!

[Daniel]

First off, let me say that as a Dodger fan that was at Opening Day when this tragedy occurred, my thoughts go out to him and his family. This was an act of violence against a baseball fan by a THUG wearing Dodger clothing. THESE VATOS come to Dodger stadium chanting LOS DOYERS and get all drunk and act obnoxious all game and we as Angelinos do not need them bringing down one of LA's most respected leisure activities. It may be wrong to stereotype, but when Vatos from the Barrio drive down with their shaved heads and bad attitudes, it makes the experience at Dodger Stadium a horrible place to be. All of you shaved head VATOS can stay home and watch the game on TV. Drink your hard cerveza in your driveway instead of paying money to get hammered in the parking lot at the Stadium. This used to me a place where Kids could watch a game without hearing an F Bomb and or seeing a fight.

Having said that.....Giants fans that went to the game on OPENING Day were COCKY and DISRESPECTFUL to Not only Dodger fans, but the city of LA as well. The city of San Francisco ACTUALLY paid for a plane to fly around the stadium ALL GAME with a banner reading " beat La! Giants World Champs"!

That crap does not fly in LA and the carma from it came back and caused a fan to get a concussion. Giants fans were screaming " we are the best" LA sucks" Wheres La's World Series" and everything else before and during the game...ALL GAME LONG/ and in case they did not notice, they were in DODGER STADIUM which is not the best place for Giants fans that just won a World Series to be Blabbing and Bragging about how great they are. This does not excuse the actions of the criminals that assaulted the Giants fan...BUT did anyone think..." hey maybe that Giants fan was bragging or being obnoxious and MAY have brought the anger and aggression on himself. Maybe he got into a verbal argument during the game and wrote a check with his mouth that his 40 year old BUTT could not cash.

McCourt is a joke and needs to be removed. Dodger security is a joke and is purely for looks. Nobody gets arrested or banned for life. BUT I WILL ALWAYS BE A DODGER FAN because they are the best team in the history of baseball with more history and culture in their bathroom toilets than most teams have in their entire organization.

GO DODOGERS! GIANTS STILL SUCK. BAN shaved headed VATOS!

Hope the Giants fan makes a full recovery and can live a normal life.

[sports1marketing]

The Dodgers organization has been through many changes over the past decade and many have hurt the "Dodger Experience."
There was a time when a Dodger game could be enjoyed for a reasonable price with an atmosphere that did not have fans on edge. The current financial troubles of the McCourts have caused corners to be cut inside and outside of the stadium as well as internally in the organization itself. It is time for Dodger ownership to take responsibility for the actions of their fans leaving the stadium and to employ enough security to keep fans of all teams safe. Baseball games are a family friendly environment for parents to take their kids to enjoy Americas pastime outdoors in beautiful LA weather. If low class criminals are allowed to be a part of the Dodger experience at the stadium, it will deter Los Angeles families from taking part in the season festivities and the Dodgers will lose money. Safety has to be the Dodgers main concern, because if fans do not feel safe, they will not be able to enjoy themselves watching a game at the best ballpark in the nation.

[Lakingsfan]

I am disgusted by you McCourt, let's go angels! My new team.