On Monday, in Philadelphia, a 17-year-old Phillies fan ran onto the field at Citizen's Bank Park and was tasered by an officer who chased him. Most in the sports world are now choosing sides, arguing whether the amount of force was excessive or not.
Those against tasing say he's just a dumb kid with a stupid grin on his face. Some people are seriously injured and sometimes killed by tasers. Just tackle him and haul him off. Those in favor of tasing say you don't know what he's going to do. In 2002, a father/son combo jumped onto a field in Chicago and assaulted a field coach during the game. Of course, there is always the Monica Seles stabbing, where a fan jumped onto the court and attacked her.
The Philadelphia Police Chief stated that the officer used an appropriate amount of force.
So, where do you stand? Personally, I think the Taser was appropriate. He knew he wasn't supposed to be on the field and he was clearly resisting arrest.
But, as I look at it more closely, at the "fan" level, I really have to agree with the taser. Ask yourself, "Why does someone jump on the field?" The answer is "to get attention" and "it's funny." Now, what's funnier than watching someone get taken down by a taser on the ball field? Nothing. There is
nothing funnier.
Watch the video and let me know what you think.