Pistons < Spurs
01-19-2010, 05:27 PM
In the run-up to last year's draft, the sports world was stunned to find out that Tyreke Evans had been behind the wheel for a drive-by shooting. Even more shocking was the fact that the case had already gone to trial, with Evans never even charged. Wait, it gets worse -- teams knew all this, but were still lining up to pick him near the top of the lottery. Is there no justice on this planet? Are we truly facing the end of civilization?
Thankfully, the family of the victim has decided to name Evans in a wrongful death civil suit and maybe, just maybe, restore a little sanity to this world we live in. From The Sacramento Bee:
The civil suit was filed by the family of Marcus Reason, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2007. Evans' cousin, Jamar Evans, was sentenced to 9-20 years after pleading guilty last January to third-degree murder and weapons charges ... [The] Reason family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.Tyreke Evans was driving the car but never charged with a crime. Authorities said Evans cooperated with the investigation.
Time to be serious about this. Here are the key facts: Evans cooperated, was open with teams, and never charged with a crime. I can repeat that, but I think you see my point. It's nuts that Tyreke could just be driving along, and then all of a sudden find himself sitting next to a guy busting off shots. But guess what? Really awful, unexpected, disturbing things happen in some places. I guess we can fault Evans for sitting in a car with someone who -- however abruptly -- committed a murder. Or growing up in neighborhood where drive-by shootings happen out of nowhere. But come on. There are real thugs in the NBA, charged with crimes, standing in front of judges. Tyreke Evans was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
That or the police are just totally corrupt in favor of the kids in the streets. Or -- since Evans was about to make it big -- holding out for a bribe from him. Can I get a witness?
Regardless, it'll be interesting to see how this lawsuit plays out. Civil courts are different than the criminal ones; anyone remember O.J. Simpson? So in theory, there could be differing judgments, and you can pick your favorite. But with Evans not even named in the criminal case, it's hard to see what grounds there are for his inclusion. Other than his contract, of course.
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/01/19/evans-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/
Thankfully, the family of the victim has decided to name Evans in a wrongful death civil suit and maybe, just maybe, restore a little sanity to this world we live in. From The Sacramento Bee:
The civil suit was filed by the family of Marcus Reason, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2007. Evans' cousin, Jamar Evans, was sentenced to 9-20 years after pleading guilty last January to third-degree murder and weapons charges ... [The] Reason family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.Tyreke Evans was driving the car but never charged with a crime. Authorities said Evans cooperated with the investigation.
Time to be serious about this. Here are the key facts: Evans cooperated, was open with teams, and never charged with a crime. I can repeat that, but I think you see my point. It's nuts that Tyreke could just be driving along, and then all of a sudden find himself sitting next to a guy busting off shots. But guess what? Really awful, unexpected, disturbing things happen in some places. I guess we can fault Evans for sitting in a car with someone who -- however abruptly -- committed a murder. Or growing up in neighborhood where drive-by shootings happen out of nowhere. But come on. There are real thugs in the NBA, charged with crimes, standing in front of judges. Tyreke Evans was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
That or the police are just totally corrupt in favor of the kids in the streets. Or -- since Evans was about to make it big -- holding out for a bribe from him. Can I get a witness?
Regardless, it'll be interesting to see how this lawsuit plays out. Civil courts are different than the criminal ones; anyone remember O.J. Simpson? So in theory, there could be differing judgments, and you can pick your favorite. But with Evans not even named in the criminal case, it's hard to see what grounds there are for his inclusion. Other than his contract, of course.
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/01/19/evans-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/