Yankees Fan Arrested for 7th-inning-stretch Bathroom Break Files Suit
By Evan Mix
Published on April 23, 2009
New York resident Bradford Campeau-Laurion and the NYCLU are suing the Yankees and the NYPD after police officers ejected him during the 7th-inning stretch of a recent game. Campeau-Laurion is seeking damages and an injunction against a policy that allegedly force fans to participate in political and religious acts in violation of multiple Constitutional amendments.
After 9/11, Major League Baseball instituted a policy requiring teams to play "God Bless America" during the 7th-inning stretch of every game. The policy was dropped after one season, but the Yankees continued playing the song. Additionally, the Yankees do not allow fans to leave the stands during the song due to complaints that some fans were being disrespectful. Campeau-Laurion allegedly tried to go to the bathroom while the song was playing and was detained by uniformed off-duty NYPD officers working security. After a dispute, he was arrested and forcibly thrown out of the game.
The plaintiff claims the policy restricting fan movement during "God Bless America" amounts to religious and political discrimination. He claims the rough treatment of the officers left him physically sore, disheveled, and embarrassed. Though the officers said he was behaving in a disruptive and offensive manner while reeking of alcohol, Campeau-Laurion insists he had only two beers and behaved himself at all times.
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