Everyone is pumped for “The Hangover Part II” but here’s a story that will trump any of Zach Galifianakis’ craziness or cash payouts.
On Nov. 22, 2004, a simpleton named Enrique Rodriguez was watching Monday Night Football at The Palms sports book in Las Vegas when one of the “Palms Girls” started throwing souvenirs to patrons. Some guy dove for a water bottle and drilled Rodriguez in the leg, and then he hit his head. Instead of going to the hospital right away, he completed an accident and injury report at the casino.
Here’s where it gets fun: Rodriguez claimed injuries resulting from the incident that ranged from “knee pain, back pain, neck pain, sleep apnea, depression and obesity.” I have left out “ingrown toenails,” which was in the report from Vegas, but I simply can’t believe that and would have to see the court documents myself.
At any rate, over six-and-a-half years later, a judge signed a $6.6 million judgment in favor of Rodriguez. Part of the breakdown: $377,000 for past medical expenses, $1.8 million for future medical expenses, $1.2 million for past pain and suffering, $289,00 for past lost income, $433,000 for future lost income, $427,000 in pre-judgment interest and $149,000 in legal fees and costs.
Best. Vegas. Trip. Ever.
Caught Red-handed
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake is easily the frontrunner for the strangest athlete arrest in 2011.
Thanks to some good fortune — two starters were injured — Leake made the starting rotation this season. The 23-year-old making just $425,000 won his first two decisions. He certainly has an interesting way of celebrating.
Leake collected his paycheck, each of which are $40,000, last Friday. Monday, he was arrested on a shoplifting charge at a Macy’s in Cincinnati. According to the police report, video cameras caught Leake ripping the tags off six American Rag T-shirts, and attempting to leave without paying for them. The value of the shirts? $59.88.
–Jason Raj McIntyre covers athletes off the field and runs the popular blog, TheBigLead.com
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