A Long Island man who was assaulted with a stun gun during a Jets-Cowboys game at MetLife stadium last year is suing (deep breath) the Giants, the Jets, New Jersey Sports and, of course, the guy who zapped him. Ian Cummings is seeking $2 million for "severe" injuries, medical expenses and lost earnings resulting from the incident, which happened on September 11th, 2011. According to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by Newsday, Cummings blames all the defendants for lax security that enabled Cowboys fan Leroy McKelvey into the stadium with a stun gun.
McKelvey, who is black and was wearing a Cowboys jersey, claims Jets fans used racial taunts before the fight broke out, and that he was was forced to use his stun gun to defend himself. He also says he was targeted by Jets fans because he refused to stand for the national anthem and was talking on his cell phone during a moment of silence to remember 9/11 victims. (As it happens, George W. Bush was in attendance.) Here's video of the melee:
McKelvey was arrested after the brawl, and hit with a number of charges including aggravated assault, which carries a 5- to 10-year sentence if he is convicted. But last week he agreed to a plea deal which will likely spare him an jail time. McKelvey pleaded guilty to possession of a stun gun, an offense that typically receives probation, according to the Daily News. But questions still linger about security at the stadium—not only was McKelvey able to bring in a stun gun, but a convicted war criminal was also able to slip past security.
