Falling Out Of Upper Deck May Have Been High Point Of Bills Fan's Week
Yesterday: banned from the stadium. Today: out of a job. Tomorrow: jail?
Robert Hopkins fell off the 300 level at Sunday's Bills game after appearing to slide down the railing. Unfortunately for Darwinism, his fall was broken by an unlucky spectator below. That spectator suffered head and neck injuries, but has since been released from the hospital. This is almost certainly a crime on Hopkins's part, and the sheriff's office is preparing to file charges. But things are building up to that first.
On Monday, Bills president and CEO Russ Brandon released a statement saying that Hopkins will no longer be welcome at Ralph Wilson Stadium:
"The irresponsible behavior that occurred at yesterday's game by the fan who fell from the upper deck is a violation of our Fan Code of Conduct and cannot, and will not, be tolerated. This individual will not be permitted back into Ralph Wilson Stadium."
Earlier today, Hopkins got some more bad news. He used to be a digital art director at marketing firm Eric Mower and Associates, but his employer said he's no longer welcome there either.
"EMA is very concerned about Sunday's incident at the Buffalo Bills' game and we are relieved that the injured were released from the hospital. Rob Hopkins is no longer employed by EMA."
But the hits just keep on coming. Today the that Hopkins could face charges of third-degree assault and reckless endangerment, neither of which require intent. (It's generally agreed that Hopkins fell off the railing by accident, and is just stupid.) Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz made it sounds like authorities are eager to prosecute.
"Yesterday's reckless and dangerous incident at Ralph Wilson Stadium is an example of the type of behavior that gives Buffalo a bad reputation and that can never be tolerated, dismissed, or accepted. By his actions, this individual has shown that he is a danger to himself and others, and we fully support barring him from future events at the stadium ... Injurious and disruptive behavior will never be condoned or excused, but will be eliminated and prosecuted whenever and wherever possible."
There's been no word on whether Hopkins was intoxicated, but it won't affect the potential charges against him. The Bills have promised their full cooperation into the investigation.
But other than that, it was a pretty good game.
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