Some people tend to take sports too far, as was evidenced in Palm Beach,
Florida this week. With the advent of the 2012-2013 football season, many
men and women are getting out their team jerseys and organizing Monday
night football parties so that they can keep up with the unfolding sports
story. At the beginning of the season, loyal fans faithfully watch their
team, hoping to see them succeed.
On Monday, football fans came to Applebee’s, where televisions in
the bar area were broadcasting the games of the night. Allegedly, a Baltimore
Ravens fan sat at the bar, cackling at the Cincinnati Bengals when they
lost 44-13. Nearby, a loyal Bengals fan felt offended by the snickering,
and approached the Ravens fan, punching him in the face. The Bengals fan
then left the bar, seething.
The police arrived on the scene shortly after and gathered that he Bengals
fan had punched the Ravens fan in the face because of team loyalty. The
manager of the restaurant said that Bennett, the Ravens fan, was very
loud and was shouting during the game. Several times, waiters and waitresses
had to ask the boisterous fan to quiet down so that others could enjoy
their meals. The manager told the police that the Bengals fan had heard
enough, which is why he punched the man.
Bennett was shocked, but didn’t want to prosecute. While it is not
a major offense, punching another individual can often be considered physical
battery. If you have been charged with
physical battery in Florida, even a simple charge can come with up to two months in prison
and a $500 fine. Talk to a criminal defense attorney right away if you
have been charged with physical battery and need help to combat your charges,
then talk to a lawyer at Parks & Braxton for representation!