Mets Streaker Could Get Year in Jail, Says It Was a Bet with Boss

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[UPDATE BELOW] The daring streaker who charmed America by dashing out onto Citi Field during Tuesday night's Mets game could get up to a year in jail! After his arrest, 38-year-old Craig Coakley of Whitestone, Queens reportedly told police, "I didn't think I was gonna get in so much trouble. It was a bet. My boss said he would pay me a week's worth of salary if I did it and my lawyer told me it's only a misdemeanor." But back in 2003 the City Council passed the so-called Calvin Klein law to impose harsher punishments on fans who disrupt sporting events; the bill was prompted by the designer's bizarre, drug-fueled attempt to chat with Latrell Sprewell on the court during a Knicks game. (In 2005, the city implemented even tougher penalties.)

In a flash of inspiration yesterday, Queens DA Richard Brown employed a baseball analogy in explaining the severity of the charges: "As the defendant sadly learned... one streak equals three strikes and you're out—out of the ballpark and on your way to the courthouse to face arraignment on criminal charges. The Queens District Attorney's Office and the New York Mets have zero tolerance for those who interfere with the play of America's pastime."

Coakley was released on $1,000 bail yesterday after being charged with third-degree criminal trespass and interference with a professional sporting event. If convicted, he could also be forced to pay up to $5,000 in fines, and he's been barred forever from Citi Field. The Post reports that Coakley declined to speak to reporters outside the court house, saying only, "I want to go home and get some sleep—and lets go Mets, baby!"

UPDATE: Coakley's boss John Musella speaks! And he's contradicting his employee's assertion that they had a bet, telling 1010 WINS there never was any wager. (Also, he'd like everyone to know this was the first time he saw Coakley naked.)

This could get ugly (uglier?)—the Post now quotes Coakley send a message to his boss through the media, saying, "John, I better get paid." Musella insists "it was not a bet or a dare. I told him, 'You're crazy. You're going to get arrested.'" But according to the always-punning Post, at least Musella isn't firing Coakley: "'He's still welcome here as long as he keeps his clothes on,' the plumber cracked. 'He's a pretty stable guy -- for the most part.'"

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By John Del Signore in News on May 14, 2009 10:57 AM

Comments [rss]

pissflaps

subway masturbator

coconutendo

So people who "disrupt the American pasttime" are treated harshly... unless, of course, it involves steroids.

ides_of_march

What a cast of characters: a sociopathic boss, an incomptent lawyer and a exhibitionist nitwit who will throw his reputation under the bus for a week's salary. If only A-Rod had been on the field at the time.

Were there skidmarks on second base?

militza

oh for pete's sake, it's the human body! doesn't necessitate jail time.

r1b2

On a more serious note, c'mon, the punishment is a bit severe given the crime. Ding the guy for $$$, dump on the fines. A year in stir? No way. And, hey, Metsies, banning him for life?!! That's a bit much.

r1b2

Does the copy in this post really say "the plumber cracked"??????

r1b2

Does the copy in this post really say "the plumber cracked"??????

Spirit of 76

Too bad he's a Mets fan. He'll never be allowed in Citi Field again after this stunt.

Vertigone

I've always wondered how lifetime bans could possibly be enforced at a stadium or arena.

As long as he's dressed, and out of custody, I'm sure he could probably show up to the very next game, buy a ticket, and enter with no problem.

ohgoodgolly

Oh please. Citi Field should be thanking this guy for getting them publicity and keeping the fans happy during the game.

They need to take a cue from the WTC management circa 1977, when they only gave the dude who scaled the WTC a symbolic punishment of $1 a floor, or when they made Philippe Petit do a performance in Central Park as penance.

The city takes itself too seriously these days.

Dead Himmler

This guy should get at least 5 years. If I was there with my 17 year old daughter and she saw a penis I would go CRAZY. We have a no penis agreement.

SP

Are you kidding? She's SEVENTEEN. She's probably already seen a penis before, and if she hasn't, she really should.

Dead Himmler

Just by the fact that I am talking about penises and my daughter with you is making me VERY angry. I would rather have her do some drugs or even get drunk than see any penis.

NannyState

She's still abiding by your arrangement: she simply closes her eyes when she goes down...

Jen S

Hey now, let's not assume anything. She could be into the ladies.

Rocknrope

Zu spät, mein herr.

Spirit of 76

You know that she'll have to see one sometime, right? Or have you avoided the "facts of life" discussion and locked her in a convent?

EastRiver

Any chance Himmler was kidding?

SP

It's a losing battle my friend.

Global Wombat

Is it just me, or did anyone else read that in Marvin the Martian's voice?

mocanlagunas

That's probably what Mama Palin thought...

Jen S

There was no peen, just some buttcrack.

nycnewsjunkie

Every game would have some idiot running out onto the field if there wasn't such harsh penalties.

Politburo

The potential $25k fine would be sufficient to discourage most, I'd think.

There's always going to be some drunk that doesn't consider the consequences. No reasonable penalty will stop that.

Jen Chung

I like the photo in the Post, showing Coakley showing off his Mets tattoo, though I sort of wish it were a Mr. Met tattoo.

MaiaW

There was a guy in this week's Time Out New York who had a Mr. Met tat :) There's a small pic of it here http://tr.im/lmRE

Dirk

The Queens District Attorney's Office and the New York Mets have zero tolerance for those who interfere with the play of America's pastime.

Brilliant. So I suppose the Queens DA has dealt with all the real crime and can now start getting all tough on streakers?

SC

the New York Mets have zero tolerance for those who interfere with the play of America's pastime.

Unless it's September.

GOP

So you're saying not to deal with petty crimes until all greater crimes are eradicated? Right. That's a great philosophy.

tmz is evil

So you're saying not to deal with petty crimes until all greater crimes are eradicated? Right. That's a great philosophy.

What Dirk was saying is that we don't have the luxury of throwing someone in jail for such a long time for something this stupid, when there are still rapists, murderers, molesters, and other far more dangerous and destructive people to imprison in an already overtaxed prison system.