The video, captured by blogger Erik, shows a man leaving section 235 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The fan was swearing and refused to leave the park, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and eventually had to be escorted out by police.
That’s when the video — and the drama — begins.
The fan, named Scott James Ashley, went to high-five another fan but was blocked by a PNC Park security guard. Ashley shoved the guard, which prompted police to take out their Tasers. The Taser shock had no effect on Ashley, prompting an officer to hit him in the shoulder with a nightstick. Still, there was no reaction from Ashley, who appeared to tell the officer, “Don’t hit me.”
The officer administered another blast from the Taser and three more nightstick blows to the shoulder, lower back and legs of Ashley. Still, the fan appeared to be relatively unfazed.
“During the incident, Detective [Francis] Rende wrote in his complaint, both officers feared for their safety,” the Post-Gazette reported.
Though Ashley never posed any physical threat to the police, two officers then relentlessly struck him with their nightsticks until finally subduing and handcuffing him.
You can watch the video here (though as a warning, some may find the footage to be disturbing).
While the Pittsburgh police may have to deal with a future case for using excessive force, UFC president Dana White ought to sign Ashley up for the next pay-per-view event. That guy can take a beating and keep on ticking.
Photo of the day
Did the police abuse their power and use excessive force, or did they do what was necessary to remove an unruly fan from the ballgame? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Quote of the day
“The way I think about it, we’re four games out of first place with 153 to go. That’s a long-ass way away. I’m not very smart, but it looks doable. What do you think? … Arizona State education — it paid off.”
–Dustin Pedroia, according to WEEI.com, regarding the Red Sox’ playoff chances this year
Tweet of the day
We asked fans what the most encouraging takeaway from the Red Sox-Yankees series was, and it’s safe to say that they’re happy to see their ace playing like he used to.
Video of the day
Apparently, in faraway lands, people still have skateboarding races that look straight out of Skate Or Die, circa 1987.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0bjQb5w2Mw&w=640&h=390]
