Wednesday, March 1, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 5
V G N
Boxing
Former boxing champion sentenced for abductions
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former heavy weight champion Riddick Bowe was handed a 30-day prison sentence yesterday for kidnapping his wife and five children and ordered to get treatment for brain injuries he suffered in the ring.
Bowe, 32, could have been sentenced to 18-to-24 months in federal prison for the abductions on Feb. 25, 1998. But U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen said Bowe's head injuries persuaded him to be lenient.
"Without this brain injury and substantially reduced capacity, this matter would not have happened," Mullen said. He also said testimony by family members convinced him Bowe never intended violence.
Bowe had pleaded guilty in June 1988 to a federal interstate domestic violence charge as part of a plea bargain. He initially faced federal kidnapping charges.
Besides the 30-day sentence, Bowe must serve four years' probation and six months' house arrest after he is released from prison. He also was fined $5,000 and ordered to continue treatment for his brain injuries. Bowe will remain free until a place at the federal penitentiary at Butner, N.C., becomes available.
Two years ago, Bowe went to Judy Bowe's Charlotte home and threatened her with a knife, handcuffs, duct tape and pepper spray. He forced her and the children into a vehicle and set out for his Fort Washington, Md., home.
At a restaurant in South Hill, Va., Judy Bowe called her sister in North Carolina, who guided police to the restaurant. She was superficially stabbed,
reportedly by Bowe. Mullen, however, said yesterday he concluded the wound was inflicted negligently, not intentionally.
Before Mullen imposed the sentence, Bowe apologized to the court and his family. "I hope I can get this treatment so I can go on and be a productive member of society," he said in a barely audible voice.
His attorney, Johnnie Cochran Jr., who successfully defended O.J. Simpson, was not present for the sentencing. He argued during the two-day hearing that the plea bargain to which Bowe agreed should have been voided because his brain injuries had impaired his judgment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Bell expressed disappointment in the light sentence, but declined to say whether the government would appeal. It has 30 days to do so.
"The court found that he did it with no violence. We disagree," he said of Mullen's ruling. "We believe it was erroneous."
Before Mullen sentenced Bowe, Thomas Ryan, a neural psychologist who examined Bowe at the request of prosecutors, testified that Bowe suffered mild to moderate brain damage, but didn't think it seriously impaired his judgment.
"That would be a major leap to say mild to moderate brain damage caused him to do what he did," Ryan said.
Peter Puzio, a neurologist who also examined Bowe, testified yesterday that treatment programs were available in federal prison for the kind of brain injury from which Bowe suffers. He described the syndrome as common in former boxers.
Trinidad to fight Reid for world title
LAS VEGAS — Felix Trinidad believes he is not alone in how he pictures himself as a fighter.
The Associated Press
"I think the world knows I'm the best fighter, pound for pound," said the IBF-WBC welterweight champion from Puerto Rico.
But for any misguided souls who disagree, Trinidad said, "I'm going to demonstrate what kind of fighter I am."
The demonstration is scheduled for Friday night when Trinidad challenges David Reid for the WBA super welterweight title on SET pay-per-view outdoors at Caesars Palace.
Trinidad, a welterweight champion since 1993, is a solid favorite to win the 154-pound title. It will be his 15th world championship bout.
Trinidad defended the IBF welterweight title and won the WBC 147-pound championship on a majority decision by beating the previously unbeaten Oscar De La Hoya on Sept. 18.
Even without that victory, Trinidad's experience almost certainly would make him the favorite. The unbeaten Reid will make his third title defense in only his 15th pro fight since he won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Trimidad (36,0, 39 knockouts) said he felt good at the new weight. He and Reid are both 5-foot-10.
Reid (14-0, 7 knockouts) has not won inside the distance in more than a year. But he does have good power, especially with the right hand, and Trinidad has been knocked down four times — in the second rounds of three fights.
Trinidad, however, has not been down since the Camas match that he won on a fourth-round technical knockout Sept. 17, 1994, 13 fights ago. In January, however, he said that if De La Hoya wanted a rematch, he would have to move up to 154 pounds. If Trinidad beats Reid, he must decide whether he wants to be a super welterweight champion or welterweight champion. Fighters cannot simultaneously hold titles in different weight classes.
"HONESTLY,OFFICER!
THAT IS ME IN THE PHOTOGRAPH. I JUST GOT BLUE CONTACT LENSES AND LOST 80 POUNDS. BESIDES, EVERYONE TELLS ME THAT I LOOK YOUNGER than a 27 YEAR-OLD.
OH YEAH, AND THIS IS NOT MY BEER."
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