NEW YORK — A streaker who disrupted a New York Mets
game by jumping onto Citi Field naked except for a stuffed monkey tied around
his waist is banned from the ballpark for life.
Prosecutors say Craig Coakley of Queens pleaded guilty
Thursday to interfering with a sporting event. He must pay a $1,000 fine and
$2,000 in civil penalties to the New York Mets. He also has to complete 20 days
of community service by Dec. 15.
District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a statement
that Coakley's antics cost him dearly – "perhaps the worse punishment for any
true Mets fan."
Coakley was banned from Citi Field for one year in
connection with his criminal case but the Mets banned him for life from all
their facilities including KeySpan Park in Brooklyn and Tradition Field in Port
St. Lucie, Fla., according to Brown.
The incident occurred on May 12. The 38-year-old plumber
told police afterward that it was a bet; his boss told him he'd pay a week's
salary if he did it.
Coakley faced up to a year in prison. His lawyer says
he's very sorry.