mercurynews--2020-02-24--Ask Amy: I’m OK with never having sex, but I want to know why

DEAR AMY : I am a woman in my mid-50s .
I had a brief , miserable marriage in my 30s ( no children ) and have been happily single ever since .
“ Jack ” is 60 , was married for his entire adult life , and has two grown kids .
He thought his marriage was happy , but his wife just left one day , moving halfway across the country .
( I knew them both before this happened . )
After their divorce , Jack and I started dating .
Jack is loving and considerate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , a great circle of friends , and shared hobbies .
His children and their spouses have welcomed me with open arms .
We talk through differences like rational people .
We ’ ve purchased a house together .
I could not imagine a better relationship !
• Ask Amy : What they do in church group has become a topic of gossip • Ask Amy : I ’ m going to be a grandmother , and I ’ m hurt nobody has congratulated me • Ask Amy : I wish my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me • Ask Amy : The embarrassed transgender man tells how things turned out • Ask Amy : I ’ m afraid my teenage secret will break my dad ’ s heart Still , my self-esteem has taken some hits .
Jack did not choose to end his marriage , and being aware that he would prefer to be with his ex makes me feel like I ’ m the consolation prize .
Jack has never said anything about it , but it ’ s something I ’ m aware of .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling to discuss , Jack does not want to be intimate .
We had a few encounters early in our relationship solely because he wanted to please me .
Whenever I bring up the subject , he just says he ’ s more interested in companionship ( yet he loves movies or TV shows that show a little skin ) .
Is a lack of sexual intimacy common in relationships between older people ?
Or is it because he wants to be with his ex-wife ?
I ’ m OK with never having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not a sign that there is something bigger missing in our relationship .
DEAR CELIBATE : You say that you and “ Jack ” talk through your differences like rational human beings .
I don ’ t relish poking holes in your happiness , but … Jack lets you assume that he would prefer his ex .
He frames his marriage as having ended out of the blue .
He won ’ t have sex with you , and won ’ t discuss it with you .
Has it occurred to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife ’ s choice to leave ?
Libido does drop for some people as they age , but it hasn ’ t dropped for you and no — I do not think it is the norm for people in this age group to be celibate .
There is nothing wrong with choosing celibacy or living a celibate life .
But you didn ’ t choose it .
He did .
True intimacy entails being courageous enough to let yourself be loved through your weakest , weirdest , or more challenging moments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ listening and responding honestly .
If your relationship was in the right place , your self-esteem would not take such hits .
You have the right to ask questions and engage in honest conversations .
If your guy can ’ t ( or won ’ t ) engage with you in this way , then you ’ ll have a tough choice to make .
DEAR AMY : I ’ ve been in a bridge club for over 10 years ( 12 members ) .
We get together about once a month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the host provided dinner and drinks .
It was great !
You had a night off and enjoyed someone else ’ s hospitality and cooking .
When it was your turn to host , you repaid the favor .
In the last few years , this has become more of a “ potluck ” evening .
The problem is — the same few people seem to be bringing the pots !
I often bring an enticing , creative dish , only to have someone else bring a bottle of sparkling water or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even the workload among us , without pointing fingers and hurting feelings ?
DEAR BRIDGE : Yes .
The way to work this out is to talk about it as a group .
You can say , “ Our bridge dinner was great while it lasted , but do we want to transition away from the dinner and into something else ?
” Bringing snacks , desserts , or just sharing beverages might be the collective choice .
DEAR AMY : “ Survivor ” endured terrible childhood abuse and wanted to confront a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .
This sentence is pure gold : “ ‘ Letting sleeping dogs lie ’ is not the answer for you , because , for you , the dogs never sleep .
These memories still pace and stalk and threaten to pounce.
” Thank you for helping this survivor — and millions of others — with less than 100 words .
DEAR GRATEFUL : I ’ ve received an outpouring a support for this answer , and I genuinely appreciate it .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I am a woman in my mid-50s. I had a brief, miserable marriage in my 30s (no children) and have been happily single ever since.
“Jack” is 60, was married for his entire adult life, and has two grown kids. He thought his marriage was happy, but his wife just left one day, moving halfway across the country. (I knew them both before this happened.) After their divorce, Jack and I started dating.
Jack is loving and considerate. We have a wonderful life with fulfilling jobs, a great circle of friends, and shared hobbies. His children and their spouses have welcomed me with open arms. We talk through differences like rational people. We’ve purchased a house together. I could not imagine a better relationship!
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy Still, my self-esteem has taken some hits. Jack did not choose to end his marriage, and being aware that he would prefer to be with his ex makes me feel like I’m the consolation prize. Jack has never said anything about it, but it’s something I’m aware of.
Also, for some reason that he is unwilling to discuss, Jack does not want to be intimate. We had a few encounters early in our relationship solely because he wanted to please me. Whenever I bring up the subject, he just says he’s more interested in companionship (yet he loves movies or TV shows that show a little skin).
Is a lack of sexual intimacy common in relationships between older people?
Or is it because he wants to be with his ex-wife?
I’m OK with never having sex, as long as it’s not a sign that there is something bigger missing in our relationship.
Confusedly Celibate
DEAR CELIBATE: You say that you and “Jack” talk through your differences like rational human beings.
I don’t relish poking holes in your happiness, but … Jack lets you assume that he would prefer his ex. He frames his marriage as having ended out of the blue. He won’t have sex with you, and won’t discuss it with you.
Has it occurred to you that this behavior might have contributed to his wife’s choice to leave?
Libido does drop for some people as they age, but it hasn’t dropped for you and no — I do not think it is the norm for people in this age group to be celibate. There is nothing wrong with choosing celibacy or living a celibate life. But you didn’t choose it. He did.
True intimacy entails being courageous enough to let yourself be loved through your weakest, weirdest, or more challenging moments. Intimacy starts with talking, disclosing, listening and responding honestly.
If your relationship was in the right place, your self-esteem would not take such hits. You have the right to ask questions and engage in honest conversations. If your guy can’t (or won’t) engage with you in this way, then you’ll have a tough choice to make.
DEAR AMY: I’ve been in a bridge club for over 10 years (12 members). We get together about once a month.
Prior to the last couple of years, the host provided dinner and drinks. It was great! You had a night off and enjoyed someone else’s hospitality and cooking.
When it was your turn to host, you repaid the favor.
In the last few years, this has become more of a “potluck” evening. The problem is — the same few people seem to be bringing the pots! I often bring an enticing, creative dish, only to have someone else bring a bottle of sparkling water or nothing.
Is there a way to even the workload among us, without pointing fingers and hurting feelings?
A Bridge Too Far
DEAR BRIDGE: Yes. The way to work this out is to talk about it as a group. You can say, “Our bridge dinner was great while it lasted, but do we want to transition away from the dinner and into something else?” Bringing snacks, desserts, or just sharing beverages might be the collective choice.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Survivor” endured terrible childhood abuse and wanted to confront a woman who had bullied her as a child.
This sentence is pure gold: “‘Letting sleeping dogs lie’ is not the answer for you, because, for you, the dogs never sleep. These memories still pace and stalk and threaten to pounce.”
Thank you for helping this survivor — and millions of others — with less than 100 words.
Grateful
DEAR GRATEFUL: I’ve received an outpouring a support for this answer, and I genuinely appreciate it.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-24--Miss Manners: The people at the next table were taking video of us

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I was out with friends at a local brewery , and we engaged in a block-building parlor game .
The game was progressing quite feverishly when another group next to our table started filming us on their phones .
We attempted to pretend they were not filming , but by the end of the game , 3 out of 4 of them were pointing their phones at us and commenting as they filmed .
They engaged us in a brief conversation after our game was completed , and then we offered the game to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to film you , and how did these people not know it made us feel uncomfortable ?
We are in our 40s , and this group looked younger .
Do younger people feel more comfortable being filmed ?
I , like most of my friends , prefer anonymity , and felt it was a violation of my privacy .
But I could not find the words to ask them not to film us — especially while they were filming us .
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Can I ask him to pay more ?
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GENTLE READER : If that is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public exposure is not all bad .
It puzzles Miss Manners that nastiness is the first defense that comes to people ’ s minds when the alternative is so simple .
It is entirely possible that these people think everyone is flattered to be filmed .
The polite way to tell them to stop is to say , “ Please stop filming us.
” Should they persist , you should stop playing your game and either complain to management or simply move away .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : A relative of mine will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unhappily anticipating all kinds of disparaging questions about American politics , having had these unpleasant exchanges when she lived in Europe before .
The questions typically run along the lines of “ How can Americans vote for that candidate ?
” or “ How can they support such a policy ?
” — delivered in such a way as to imply that Americans are stupid or naive .
We were hoping you could suggest a way to respond to unkind opinions masquerading as curiosity , which would neither indicate that she agrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an unpleasant disagreement about politics .
GENTLE READER : Your relative should be studying the politics of the country in which she will be living .
This is not only a responsible thing to do , but it will doubtless provide ample material for a more general discussion of controversial voters and politicians , on whom no country seems to have a monopoly .
This should turn the conversation into what Miss Manners would consider a not-unpleasant examination of political problems .
But that requires others to speak realistically about their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but insist on bashing America , no American should accept that , any more than the bashers would accept insults to their country .
Politeness does not require accepting insults .
To admonish them without creating a scene , she should say something like , “ I ’ m sorry you feel that way .
We Americans have our problems and our differences , as do all countries , but I ’ m proud of being an American.
” A stiff delivery should at least lead them to backpedal and apologize .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was out with friends at a local brewery, and we engaged in a block-building parlor game. The game was progressing quite feverishly when another group next to our table started filming us on their phones.
We attempted to pretend they were not filming, but by the end of the game, 3 out of 4 of them were pointing their phones at us and commenting as they filmed. They engaged us in a brief conversation after our game was completed, and then we offered the game to them.
How do you politely ask someone not to film you, and how did these people not know it made us feel uncomfortable? We are in our 40s, and this group looked younger. Do younger people feel more comfortable being filmed?
I, like most of my friends, prefer anonymity, and felt it was a violation of my privacy. But I could not find the words to ask them not to film us — especially while they were filming us.
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GENTLE READER: If that is what stops people from rude explosions, then public exposure is not all bad.
It puzzles Miss Manners that nastiness is the first defense that comes to people’s minds when the alternative is so simple. It is entirely possible that these people think everyone is flattered to be filmed.
The polite way to tell them to stop is to say, “Please stop filming us.” Should they persist, you should stop playing your game and either complain to management or simply move away.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A relative of mine will soon be moving to Europe. She is unhappily anticipating all kinds of disparaging questions about American politics, having had these unpleasant exchanges when she lived in Europe before.
The questions typically run along the lines of “How can Americans vote for that candidate?” or “How can they support such a policy?” — delivered in such a way as to imply that Americans are stupid or naive.
We were hoping you could suggest a way to respond to unkind opinions masquerading as curiosity, which would neither indicate that she agrees with the opinions nor open the subject to an unpleasant disagreement about politics.
GENTLE READER: Your relative should be studying the politics of the country in which she will be living. This is not only a responsible thing to do, but it will doubtless provide ample material for a more general discussion of controversial voters and politicians, on whom no country seems to have a monopoly.
This should turn the conversation into what Miss Manners would consider a not-unpleasant examination of political problems. But that requires others to speak realistically about their own issues. If they do not, but insist on bashing America, no American should accept that, any more than the bashers would accept insults to their country.
Politeness does not require accepting insults. To admonish them without creating a scene, she should say something like, “I’m sorry you feel that way. We Americans have our problems and our differences, as do all countries, but I’m proud of being an American.” A stiff delivery should at least lead them to backpedal and apologize.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-25--Five hikers rescued from the ‘Into the Wild’ bus in Alaska

Five Italian hikers were rescued on Alaska ’ s Stampede Trail as they were returning from visiting the abandoned bus made famous by the book and film “ Into the Wild.
” The International Emergency Response Coordination Center first received an alert about a medical emergency Saturday morning , according to Alaska State Troopers .
“ Searchers from Tri-Valley Fire Department and AST responded on snow machines and located the group approximately 13 miles in from the Stampede Road trailhead , ” AST said in a statement .
One of the hikers was treated for severe frostbite to his feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Anchorage Daily News he believed the group was in the area at least overnight .
Temperatures were about 5-10 degrees Saturday morning , Randall told the newspaper .
The nearly 20-mile trail leading up to the abandoned Fairbanks Bus 142 , known as the “ Magic Bus , ” has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for hikers ever since Jon Krakauer ’ s book “ Into the Wild ” was published in 1996 .
A movie based on the book was released in 2007 .
The nonfiction book chronicles the life of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an affluent suburb of Washington .
But after graduating from Emory University in 1990 , he left behind his comfortable life and headed west without telling his friends and family members .
In April 1992 , McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska , where a man dropped him off at the head of the Stampede Trail , according to the book .
A few days later , he came upon the abandoned bus and lived there for about three months before deciding to head back to civilization .
As he attempted to make his way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Teklanika River .
But because the river was running fast and high from the rain and snowmelt from glaciers , he was unable to make his way across , according to Krakauer .
Defeated , he turned around and headed back toward the bus , where he survived for about a month before he died in August 1992 .
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Some even die .
Last year , a 24-year-old woman from Belarus died while trying to reach the bus .
And in 2010 , a Swiss hiker drowned while trying to cross the same river McCandless failed to cross .

By Alicia Lee and Pierre Meilhan | CNN
Five Italian hikers were rescued on Alaska’s Stampede Trail as they were returning from visiting the abandoned bus made famous by the book and film “Into the Wild.”
The International Emergency Response Coordination Center first received an alert about a medical emergency Saturday morning, according to Alaska State Troopers.
“Searchers from Tri-Valley Fire Department and AST responded on snow machines and located the group approximately 13 miles in from the Stampede Road trailhead,” AST said in a statement.
One of the hikers was treated for severe frostbite to his feet.
Tri-Valley Fire Chief Brad Randall told the Anchorage Daily News he believed the group was in the area at least overnight. Temperatures were about 5-10 degrees Saturday morning, Randall told the newspaper.
The nearly 20-mile trail leading up to the abandoned Fairbanks Bus 142, known as the “Magic Bus,” has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for hikers ever since Jon Krakauer’s book “Into the Wild” was published in 1996. A movie based on the book was released in 2007.
The nonfiction book chronicles the life of Christopher McCandless, who grew up in an affluent suburb of Washington, D.C. But after graduating from Emory University in 1990, he left behind his comfortable life and headed west without telling his friends and family members.
In April 1992, McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska, where a man dropped him off at the head of the Stampede Trail, according to the book. A few days later, he came upon the abandoned bus and lived there for about three months before deciding to head back to civilization.
As he attempted to make his way back, he arrived at a crossing of the Teklanika River. But because the river was running fast and high from the rain and snowmelt from glaciers, he was unable to make his way across, according to Krakauer.
Defeated, he turned around and headed back toward the bus, where he survived for about a month before he died in August 1992.
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Last year, a 24-year-old woman from Belarus died while trying to reach the bus. And in 2010, a Swiss hiker drowned while trying to cross the same river McCandless failed to cross.


mercurynews--2020-02-25--‘A new day’: Harvey Weinstein convicted, led away in cuffs

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault against two women and led off to prison in handcuffs Monday in what his foes hailed as a landmark moment for the legal system and a long-overdue reckoning for the man vilified as the biggest monster of the # MeToo era .
The 67-year-old Weinstein had a look of resignation on his face as he heard the verdict : guilty on two charges , not guilty on a set of more serious ones .
While it was not the across-the-board victory prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could put the stooped and feeble-looking Weinstein behind bars for the rest of his life .
The charges carry up to 29 years in prison .
District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. saluted the women who came forward against the once-feared studio boss , saying they “ changed the course of history in the fight against sexual violence ” and “ pulled our justice system into the 21st century.
” “ This is the new landscape for survivors of sexual assault in America , I believe , and it is a new day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvey Weinstein has finally been held accountable for crimes he committed , ” Vance said .
Weinstein ’ s lawyers said they will appeal .
“ Harvey is unbelievably strong .
He took it like a man , ” defense attorney Donna Rotunno said .
“ He knows that we will continue to fight for him , and we know that this is not over.
” Another of his lawyers , Arthur Aidala , quoted Weinstein as telling as his legal team : : “ I ’ m innocent .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How could this happen in America ?
” The jury of seven men and five women took five days to find Weinstein guilty of raping an aspiring actress in a New York City hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 by forcibly performing oral sex on her .
He was acquitted on the most serious charges , two counts of predatory sexual assault , each carrying up to life in prison .
Both of those counts hinged on the testimony of “ Sopranos ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barged into her apartment , raped her and forcibly performed oral sex on her in the mid-1990s .
Judge James Burke ordered Weinstein taken to jail immediately .
Court officers handcuffed Weinstein and put their arms under his , leading him unsteadily out of the courtroom via a side door without the use of the walker he relied on for much of the trial .
He was later taken from the courthouse in an ambulance , strapped to a stretcher in his suit , in what was believed to be just a precautionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit at Bellevue Hospital .
The judge said he will ask that Weinstein , who had been free on bail since his arrest nearly two years ago , be held in the jail ’ s infirmary after his lawyers said he needs medical attention following unsuccessful back surgery .
Sentencing was set for March 11 .
The sexual assault charge carries up to 25 years in prison , while the third-degree rape count is punishable by up to four years .
( The jury acquitted Weinstein of first-degree rape , which requires the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and found him guilty of third-degree rape , which involves a lack of consent . )
The verdict followed weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers who told of rapes , forced oral sex , groping , masturbation , lewd propositions and excuses from Weinstein about how the Hollywood casting couch works .
In addition to the three women he was charged with attacking , three more who said they were assaulted by Weinstein testified in an effort by prosecutors to show a pattern of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hollywood for years before they finally turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to # MeToo , the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct .
The trial was the first criminal case to arise from the barrage of allegations against Weinstein from more than 90 women , including actresses Gwyneth Paltrow , Salma Hayek , Ashley Judd , Uma Thurman and Mira Sorvino .
Most of those cases were too old to prosecute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were disappointed by his acquittal on the most serious charges , they exulted over the guilty verdicts .
“ The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over , ” Sorvino said , breaking down in tears on a conference call of Weinstein ’ s former accusers .
“ He will rot in jail as he deserves.
” Judd , who accused Weinstein of damaging her career by spreading lies about her after she rejected his advances , tweeted : “ For the women who testified in this case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did a public service to girls and women everywhere , thank you.
” While Weinstein did not testify , his lawyers contended that any sexual contact was consensual and that his accusers went to bed with him to get ahead in Hollywood .
The defense seized on the fact that the two women he was convicted of attacking had sex with him — and sent him warm and even flirty emails — well after he supposedly attacked them .
In the end , that argument didn ’ t seem to gain any traction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Sciorra ’ s allegations .
Four days into deliberations , the jurors sent out a note indicating they were deadlocked on the two predatory sexual assault counts but had reached a unanimous verdict on the others .
The judge told them to keep on deliberating .
After the verdict , jury foreman Bernard Cody was asked what the deliberations were like for him personally and responded : “ Devastating.
” He did not elaborate .
Sciorra said in statement : “ While we hope for continued righteous outcomes that bring absolute justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence .
For in speaking truth to power we pave the way for a more just culture , free of the scourge of violence against women.
” The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sex crimes unless they grant permission , as Haleyi and Sciorra did .
The phenomenally successful movie executive helped bring to the screen such Oscar winners as “ Good Will Hunting , ” “ Pulp Fiction , ” “ The King ’ s Speech , ” “ Silver Linings Playbook ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the careers of celebrated filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith .
Weinstein now faces charges in Los Angeles .
In that case , announced just as the New York trial was getting under way in early January , authorities allege he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another on back-to-back nights during Oscars week in 2013 .
During the trial , Weinstein regularly trudged into the courthouse stooped and unshaven , using his walker — a far cry from the way he was depicted in court as a burly “ Jekyll-and-Hyde ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with menace when his anger flared .
“ If he heard the word ‘ no , ’ it was like a trigger for him , ” his rape accuser testified .
One woman said that when she laughed off his advances , he sneered , “ You ’ ll never make it in this business .
This is how this industry works.
” The jury heard lurid testimony that Weinstein injected himself with a needle to get an erection , that his genitals appeared disfigured , that he sent Sciorra a box of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up uninvited at her hotel room door in his underwear with a bottle of baby oil in one hand and a video in the other .
The prosecution ’ s task was made more complicated because Haleyi testified that she had sex with him two weeks after she was supposedly attacked , while the rape accuser whose name was withheld said she had a sexual encounter with him more than three years afterward .
The rape accuser admitted sending Weinstein emails saying “ Miss you big guy ” and “ I love you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling like a booty call.
” Under fierce cross-examination from Weinstein ’ s lawyers , she explained that she was afraid of the movie executive ’ s unpredictable anger and “ I wanted him to believe I wasn ’ t a threat.
” To blunt that line of questioning , prosecutors called as a witness a forensic psychiatrist who said that most sexual assault victims struggle to comprehend what happened to them and continue to have contact with their attackers .
During closing arguments , Rotunno charged that Weinstein had become “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” — # MeToo — and asked the jury to ignore “ outside forces.
” She said the case against Weinstein amounted to “ regret renamed as rape , ” arguing that the women exercised their free will to try to further their careers .
Weinstein ’ s lawyers repeatedly raised objections during the case that could form the basis of an appeal .
Among other things , the defense complained that the Los Angeles charges were timed to influence jury selection , and they unsuccessfully opposed the seating of a juror who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the years , Weinstein managed to silence many accusers with payoffs , nondisclosure agreements and the constant fear that he could crush their careers if they spoke out .
He also employed an army of attorneys , publicists and private investigators to thwart journalists and suppress news stories about his behavior .
Weinstein was finally arrested in May 2018 , seven months after The New York Times and The New Yorker exposed his alleged misconduct in stories that would win the Pulitzer Prize .
Among other men taken down by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : news anchors Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose , actor Kevin Spacey and Sen. Al Franken .
Weinstein ’ s studio , the Weinstein Co. , went bankrupt after his disgrace .
A tentative settlement was reached last year to resolve nearly all lawsuits stemming from the scandal .
It would pay Weinstein ’ s accusers about $ 25 million , but he would not have to admit any wrongdoing or personally pay anything ; the studio ’ s insurance would cover the cost .
On Twitter , follow Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak @ @ @ @ @

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and TOM HAYS
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault against two women and led off to prison in handcuffs Monday in what his foes hailed as a landmark moment for the legal system and a long-overdue reckoning for the man vilified as the biggest monster of the #MeToo era.
The 67-year-old Weinstein had a look of resignation on his face as he heard the verdict: guilty on two charges, not guilty on a set of more serious ones.
While it was not the across-the-board victory prosecutors and his accusers had hoped for, it could put the stooped and feeble-looking Weinstein behind bars for the rest of his life. The charges carry up to 29 years in prison.
District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. saluted the women who came forward against the once-feared studio boss, saying they “changed the course of history in the fight against sexual violence” and “pulled our justice system into the 21st century.”
“This is the new landscape for survivors of sexual assault in America, I believe, and it is a new day. It is a new day because Harvey Weinstein has finally been held accountable for crimes he committed,” Vance said.
Weinstein’s lawyers said they will appeal.
“Harvey is unbelievably strong. He took it like a man,” defense attorney Donna Rotunno said. “He knows that we will continue to fight for him, and we know that this is not over.” Another of his lawyers, Arthur Aidala, quoted Weinstein as telling as his legal team:: “I’m innocent. I’m innocent. I’m innocent. How could this happen in America?”
The jury of seven men and five women took five days to find Weinstein guilty of raping an aspiring actress in a New York City hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 by forcibly performing oral sex on her.
He was acquitted on the most serious charges, two counts of predatory sexual assault, each carrying up to life in prison. Both of those counts hinged on the testimony of “Sopranos” actress Annabella Sciorra, who said Weinstein barged into her apartment, raped her and forcibly performed oral sex on her in the mid-1990s.
Judge James Burke ordered Weinstein taken to jail immediately. Court officers handcuffed Weinstein and put their arms under his, leading him unsteadily out of the courtroom via a side door without the use of the walker he relied on for much of the trial. He was later taken from the courthouse in an ambulance, strapped to a stretcher in his suit, and taken to a locked unit at Bellevue Hospital.
The judge said he would ask that Weinstein, who had been free on bail since his arrest nearly two years ago, be held in the infirmary at the city’s Rikers Island jail complex after his lawyers said he needs medical attention following unsuccessful back surgery.
Rotunno said in an appearance on Fox News that Weinstein was initially headed to the jail, but was diverted to Bellevue to be checked out for heart palpitations and high blood pressure. “He’s O.K,” she added.
Sentencing was set for March 11. The sexual assault charge carries up to 25 years in prison, while the third-degree rape count is punishable by up to four years. (The jury acquitted Weinstein of first-degree rape, which requires the use of force or the threat of it, and found him guilty of third-degree rape, which involves a lack of consent.)
The verdict followed weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers who told of rapes, forced oral sex, groping, masturbation, lewd propositions and excuses from Weinstein about how the Hollywood casting couch works. In addition to the three women he was charged with attacking, three more who said they were assaulted by Weinstein testified in an effort by prosecutors to show a pattern of brutish behavior.
Whispers about Weinstein circulated in Hollywood for years before they finally turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to #MeToo, the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct.
The trial was the first criminal case to arise from the barrage of allegations against Weinstein from more than 90 women, including actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, Ashley Judd, Uma Thurman and Mira Sorvino. Most of those cases were too old to prosecute.
While prosecutors and other Weinstein foes were disappointed by his acquittal on the most serious charges, they exulted over the guilty verdicts.
“The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over,” Sorvino said, breaking down in tears on a conference call of Weinstein’s former accusers. “He will rot in jail as he deserves.”
Judd, who accused Weinstein of damaging her career by spreading lies about her after she rejected his advances, tweeted: “For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.”
While Weinstein did not testify, his lawyers contended that any sexual contact was consensual and that his accusers went to bed with him to get ahead in Hollywood. The defense seized on the fact that the two women he was convicted of attacking had sex with him — and sent him warm and even flirty emails — well after he supposedly attacked them.
In the end, that argument didn’t seem to gain any traction. Instead, the jury had trouble with Sciorra’s allegations. Four days into deliberations, the jurors sent out a note indicating they were deadlocked on the two predatory sexual assault counts but had reached a unanimous verdict on the others. The judge told them to keep on deliberating.
After the verdict, jury foreman Bernard Cody was asked what the deliberations were like for him personally and responded: “Devastating.” He did not elaborate.
Sciorra said in statement: “While we hope for continued righteous outcomes that bring absolute justice, we can never regret breaking the silence. For in speaking truth to power we pave the way for a more just culture, free of the scourge of violence against women.”
The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sex crimes unless they grant permission, as Haleyi and Sciorra did.
The phenomenally successful movie executive helped bring to the screen such Oscar winners as “Good Will Hunting,” “Pulp Fiction,” “The King’s Speech,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Shakespeare in Love” and nurtured the careers of celebrated filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith.
Weinstein now faces charges in Los Angeles. In that case, announced just as the New York trial was getting under way in early January, authorities allege he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another on back-to-back nights during Oscars week in 2013.
During the trial, Weinstein regularly trudged into the courthouse stooped and unshaven, using his walker — a far cry from the way he was depicted in court as a burly “Jekyll-and-Hyde” figure whose eyes seemed to turn black with menace when his anger flared.
“If he heard the word ‘no,’ it was like a trigger for him,” his rape accuser testified. One woman said that when she laughed off his advances, he sneered, “You’ll never make it in this business. This is how this industry works.”
The jury heard lurid testimony that Weinstein injected himself with a needle to get an erection, that his genitals appeared disfigured, that he sent Sciorra a box of chocolate penises and that he once showed up uninvited at her hotel room door in his underwear with a bottle of baby oil in one hand and a video in the other.
The prosecution’s task was made more complicated because Haleyi testified that she had sex with him two weeks after she was supposedly attacked, while the rape accuser whose name was withheld said she had a sexual encounter with him more than three years afterward.
The rape accuser admitted sending Weinstein emails saying “Miss you big guy” and “I love you, always do. But I hate feeling like a booty call.” Under fierce cross-examination from Weinstein’s lawyers, she explained that she was afraid of the movie executive’s unpredictable anger and “I wanted him to believe I wasn’t a threat.”
To blunt that line of questioning, prosecutors called as a witness a forensic psychiatrist who said that most sexual assault victims struggle to comprehend what happened to them and continue to have contact with their attackers.
During closing arguments, Rotunno charged that Weinstein had become “the target of a cause and a movement” — #MeToo — and asked the jury to ignore “outside forces.” She said the case against Weinstein amounted to “regret renamed as rape,” arguing that the women exercised their free will to try to further their careers.
Weinstein’s lawyers repeatedly raised objections during the case that could form the basis of an appeal. Among other things, the defense complained that the Los Angeles charges were timed to influence jury selection, and they unsuccessfully opposed the seating of a juror who wrote a novel involving predatory older men.
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Marine charged with sexual assault of missing 14-year-old girl found in Camp Pendleton barracks Movies | GOP donor Anton “Tony” Lazzaro gets 21 years for sex trafficking minors
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‘Disturbing uptick’ of sexual assaults on aircraft, officials say Movies | Man who impersonated search-and-rescue official sexually assaulted hiker, Colorado authorities say Over the years, Weinstein managed to silence many accusers with payoffs, nondisclosure agreements and the constant fear that he could crush their careers if they spoke out. He also employed an army of attorneys, publicists and private investigators to thwart journalists and suppress news stories about his behavior.
Weinstein was finally arrested in May 2018, seven months after The New York Times and The New Yorker exposed his alleged misconduct in stories that would win the Pulitzer Prize. Among other men taken down by the #MeToo movement since the scandal broke: news anchors Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose, actor Kevin Spacey and Sen. Al Franken.
Weinstein’s studio, the Weinstein Co., went bankrupt after his disgrace. A tentative settlement was reached last year to resolve nearly all lawsuits stemming from the scandal. It would pay Weinstein’s accusers about $25 million, but he would not have to admit any wrongdoing or personally pay anything; the studio’s insurance would cover the cost.
___
On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak and Tom Hays at twitter.com/aptomhays


mercurynews--2020-02-25--Five things we learned at Giants HQ: Bochy on Bumgarner’s alias, Davis’ big day vs. the D’backs and

Five things we learned at Giants HQ: Bochy on Bumgarner’s alias, Davis’ big day vs. the D’backs and a prospect’s debut

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — It ’ s way too soon to know which Giants outfielders will break camp with the club and make the Opening Day roster , but many of the organization ’ s top decision-makers are quietly rooting for Jaylin Davis to make their choice easy .
Davis , who was acquired at the 2019 trade deadline in a deal that sent reliever Sam Dyson to the Twins , might have the highest ceiling of any young outfielder in camp and he showcased his potential in an 11-9 victory over the Diamondbacks on Monday .
In three plate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ripped a pair of extra-base hits to the left center field gap that resulted in a double and a triple and also grounded out .
Many Giants hitters would have pulled up at second base on the second ball Davis drilled into the alley , but he hustled out of the box , put pressure on the defense and turned a potential stand-up double into the Giants ’ second triple of the spring .
“ ( Jaylin ) talked about how in his last game , he was seeing the ball but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” manager Gabe Kapler said .
“ Today he felt like he was really on time and he made that adjustment and as a result he really saw the ball well and struck the ball well.
” After starting in right field on Saturday in the Giants ’ Cactus League opener , Davis entered Monday ’ s game as a substitute and played center field when minor league free-agent Billy Hamilton exited .
Davis wasn ’ t challenged much defensively , but he clearly has the speed required to excel in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in center field in the minor leagues .
• Why Madison Bumgarner ’ s rodeo hobby should concern Diamondbacks so much • Giants ’ quest to turn pitchers who were cut into top performers starts ( unofficially ) this week • Photos : Battle of the Bay in the desert as San Francisco Giants take on Oakland Athletics If it turns out Davis profiles better in the corner of the outfield , the Giants will live with that as long as he turns his raw power into results at the major league level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ( Madison ) has done , but I mean , this one tops all , ” Bochy said on Monday .
“ Mason… ” “ Mason Saunders ” is the alias former Giants ace Madison Bumgarner has reportedly used on the team-roping circuit for years .
In a story published by The Athletic , Bumgarner confirmed he ’ s been participating in team-roping competitions and in some cases , winning them .
The news surprised some Giants players , but it didn ’ t catch everyone off-guard .
Catcher Buster Posey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , knew Bumgarner was involved in team-roping but said he never attended a rodeo where his former battery-mate competed .
It wasn ’ t the fact Bumgarner was spending his free time roping that made Bochy do a double-take .
It was the idea of Bumgarner having an alter-ego and using a fake name .
“ It ’ s quite the story , ” Bochy said .
“ It ’ s hard to believe it ’ s just now getting out with his presence and who he is , that somebody didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a December competition , “ Saunders ” and his teammate Jaxson Tucker reportedly won a competition in Wickenburg , Arizona where the prize money was north of $ 26,000 .
To Bochy , that was the best part of the story .
“ He won , right ?
I mean , geez , ” Bochy said .
“ That ’ s even more impressive.
” Left-hander Drew Smyly made his first start of the spring Monday and worked a scoreless 1 2/3 innings against a D ’ backs lineup that featured regulars including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peralta .
Smyly ’ s best pitch of the day was a tailing 94-mile per hour two-seam fastball he used to strike out outfielder Trayce Thompson ( brother of Warriors star Klay Thompson ) and after his outing , Smyly explained that he ’ s no longer pitching with the concern of re-injuring his surgically repaired left elbow .
Smyly missed the entire 2017 and 2018 seasons due to his elbow injury and said he finally felt normal again on the mound around the 2019 All-Star break .
When asked what he liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smyly said the organization offered an analytical approach that should help him maximize his potential .
“ I knew they were advanced in analytics and I knew that they could steer me in the right direction and help me continue to improve , ” Smyly said .
“ I just feel really comfortable with the coaching staff.
” Smyly opened the 2019 season with the Texas Rangers but was designated for assignment in June after a miserable 13-game stretch that included nine starts .
He signed a minor league deal with the Brewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Philadelphia Phillies team .
“ He ’ s finally had a healthy offseason with his arm and now is significantly removed from his Tommy John surgery , you can see some of that velocity be more consistent , ” Kapler said .
“ The dream scenario is that he ’ s the guy he was in Tampa or Detroit or even in the last start he had for us in Philadelphia last year.
” After a 12-start stint in Philadelphia that included a 10-strikeout performance against the Washington Nationals in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to a one-year , $ 4 million deal with the Giants .
“ There ’ s so much to like about playing for the San Francisco Giants , ” Smyly said .
“ I think it ’ s a great pitchers ’ ballpark , I wanted to be in the NL , I was familiar with ( Gabe ) , I get to throw to Buster and that ’ s pretty cool.
” Canario gets the call-up ( for a day ) The Giants ’ farm system has made important strides over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary ways the organization has improved its depth is through signing and developing more high-level international prospects .
Many of the top international signees in the organization are still at the lowest levels of the minors , but one of those players received the chance to impress the major league coaching staff on Monday .
The Giants brought outfielder Alexander Canario over from the minor league side to play right field in the second half of Monday ’ s game and he went 0-for-1 with a strikeout and hit by pitch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs across two minor league levels last season and owns an outstanding .377 on-base percentage in 170 career minor league games .
Canario is the Giants ’ seventh-ranked prospect according to MLB.com and farm director Kyle Haines explained to the Bay Area News Group why the Dominican Republic native has a bright future .
“ You see a guy who can play center field and run some balls down and then get in the box and impact the ball like a power-hitting corner outfielder , ” Haines said .
Kapler said the Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp during the early portion of the Cactus League schedule because they want all major leaguers to ease their way into competition .
A handful of minor leaguers are making the most of their early chances including standouts Ryan Howard and Sean Roby .
After homering to right field in Saturday ’ s game against the Dodgers , Howard doubled , singled and started a double play defensively while Roby had two hits and a bases-loaded walk on Monday against the D ’ backs .
Howard was in major league camp last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invite this spring after finishing his fourth year in the minors with a .593 OPS across two levels .
“ He ’ s just had consistently high-quality at-bats and it ’ s not often the star of the show thus far is a guy who comes over from minor league camp and makes an impact in major league spring training games so it ’ s really nice to see him have that level of success , ” Kapler said .
Catcher Joey Bart had another strong day with two hits in three at-bats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a RBI double that he rocketed off the right center field fence .
During the first week of games , Kapler said no one will play on back-to-back days and veterans will likely be limited to four-to-five innings in the field .
Two ( relatively ) soft-tossing relievers with a good chance of making the Giants ’ Opening Day roster made their spring debuts out of the bullpen Monday , and neither outing went as planned .
Lefty Jerry Blevins and righty Nick Vincent took the mound Monday against Arizona and both allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced .
Blevins induced a popout in foul territory to wrap up the second inning , but Vincent gave up back-to-back homers in the top of the eighth and gave up a third home run before he was pulled with just one out in the inning .
On Tuesday , the pitcher with one of the slowest fastballs in the majors , Tyler Rogers , will take the mound as he ’ ll show off his submarine-style delivery against the White Sox .
No member of the trio regularly hits 90 miles per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers was the team ’ s best reliever as a rookie last September while Blevins and Vincent were both above league-average during the second half of the 2019 season .
After Monday ’ s win , Kapler reiterated his confidence in Blevins and Vincent and noted the coaching staff doesn ’ t put much stock in one game sample sizes .
The average major league fastball velocity was 93.4 miles per hour last season , but the Giants think three pitchers with average fastball velocities that ranked in the sixth-percentile or worse can @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It’s way too soon to know which Giants outfielders will break camp with the club and make the Opening Day roster, but many of the organization’s top decision-makers are quietly rooting for Jaylin Davis to make their choice easy.
Davis, who was acquired at the 2019 trade deadline in a deal that sent reliever Sam Dyson to the Twins, might have the highest ceiling of any young outfielder in camp and he showcased his potential in an 11-9 victory over the Diamondbacks on Monday.
In three plate appearances against Arizona, Davis, 25, ripped a pair of extra-base hits to the left center field gap that resulted in a double and a triple and also grounded out. Many Giants hitters would have pulled up at second base on the second ball Davis drilled into the alley, but he hustled out of the box, put pressure on the defense and turned a potential stand-up double into the Giants’ second triple of the spring.
“(Jaylin) talked about how in his last game, he was seeing the ball but he was just a touch late,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “Today he felt like he was really on time and he made that adjustment and as a result he really saw the ball well and struck the ball well.”
After starting in right field on Saturday in the Giants’ Cactus League opener, Davis entered Monday’s game as a substitute and played center field when minor league free-agent Billy Hamilton exited.
Davis wasn’t challenged much defensively, but he clearly has the speed required to excel in the middle of the outfield despite having limited experience in center field in the minor leagues.
If it turns out Davis profiles better in the corner of the outfield, the Giants will live with that as long as he turns his raw power into results at the major league level.
Madison Bumgarner’s alter-ego stuns Giants
Bruce Bochy couldn’t help but chuckle.
“There’s some things that (Madison) has done, but I mean, this one tops all,” Bochy said on Monday. “Mason…”
“Mason Saunders” is the alias former Giants ace Madison Bumgarner has reportedly used on the team-roping circuit for years. In a story published by The Athletic, Bumgarner confirmed he’s been participating in team-roping competitions and in some cases, winning them.
The news surprised some Giants players, but it didn’t catch everyone off-guard. Catcher Buster Posey, one of Bumgarner’s close friends, knew Bumgarner was involved in team-roping but said he never attended a rodeo where his former battery-mate competed.
It wasn’t the fact Bumgarner was spending his free time roping that made Bochy do a double-take. It was the idea of Bumgarner having an alter-ego and using a fake name.
“It’s quite the story,” Bochy said. “It’s hard to believe it’s just now getting out with his presence and who he is, that somebody didn’t leak this out earlier.”
In a December competition, “Saunders” and his teammate Jaxson Tucker reportedly won a competition in Wickenburg, Arizona where the prize money was north of $26,000. To Bochy, that was the best part of the story.
“He won, right? I mean, geez,” Bochy said. “That’s even more impressive.”
Smyly chose Giants because of analytics
Left-hander Drew Smyly made his first start of the spring Monday and worked a scoreless 1 2/3 innings against a D’backs lineup that featured regulars including Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar and David Peralta.
Smyly’s best pitch of the day was a tailing 94-mile per hour two-seam fastball he used to strike out outfielder Trayce Thompson (brother of Warriors star Klay Thompson) and after his outing, Smyly explained that he’s no longer pitching with the concern of re-injuring his surgically repaired left elbow.
Smyly missed the entire 2017 and 2018 seasons due to his elbow injury and said he finally felt normal again on the mound around the 2019 All-Star break. When asked what he liked about his fit with the Giants, Smyly said the organization offered an analytical approach that should help him maximize his potential.
“I knew they were advanced in analytics and I knew that they could steer me in the right direction and help me continue to improve,” Smyly said. “I just feel really comfortable with the coaching staff.”
Smyly opened the 2019 season with the Texas Rangers but was designated for assignment in June after a miserable 13-game stretch that included nine starts. He signed a minor league deal with the Brewers, but opted out and joined Kapler’s Philadelphia Phillies team.
“He’s finally had a healthy offseason with his arm and now is significantly removed from his Tommy John surgery, you can see some of that velocity be more consistent,” Kapler said. “The dream scenario is that he’s the guy he was in Tampa or Detroit or even in the last start he had for us in Philadelphia last year.”
After a 12-start stint in Philadelphia that included a 10-strikeout performance against the Washington Nationals in the last week of the season, Smyly agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Giants.
“There’s so much to like about playing for the San Francisco Giants,” Smyly said. “I think it’s a great pitchers’ ballpark, I wanted to be in the NL, I was familiar with (Gabe), I get to throw to Buster and that’s pretty cool.”
Canario gets the call-up (for a day)
The Giants’ farm system has made important strides over the last few seasons and one of the primary ways the organization has improved its depth is through signing and developing more high-level international prospects.
Many of the top international signees in the organization are still at the lowest levels of the minors, but one of those players received the chance to impress the major league coaching staff on Monday.
The Giants brought outfielder Alexander Canario over from the minor league side to play right field in the second half of Monday’s game and he went 0-for-1 with a strikeout and hit by pitch. Canario, 19, hit 16 home runs across two minor league levels last season and owns an outstanding .377 on-base percentage in 170 career minor league games.
Canario is the Giants’ seventh-ranked prospect according to MLB.com and farm director Kyle Haines explained to the Bay Area News Group why the Dominican Republic native has a bright future.
“You see a guy who can play center field and run some balls down and then get in the box and impact the ball like a power-hitting corner outfielder,” Haines said.
Kapler said the Giants will rely on players in minor league camp during the early portion of the Cactus League schedule because they want all major leaguers to ease their way into competition. A handful of minor leaguers are making the most of their early chances including standouts Ryan Howard and Sean Roby.
After homering to right field in Saturday’s game against the Dodgers, Howard doubled, singled and started a double play defensively while Roby had two hits and a bases-loaded walk on Monday against the D’backs. Howard was in major league camp last year, but didn’t receive an invite this spring after finishing his fourth year in the minors with a .593 OPS across two levels.
“He’s just had consistently high-quality at-bats and it’s not often the star of the show thus far is a guy who comes over from minor league camp and makes an impact in major league spring training games so it’s really nice to see him have that level of success,” Kapler said.
Catcher Joey Bart had another strong day with two hits in three at-bats and outfielder Jacob Heyward also shined with a RBI double that he rocketed off the right center field fence.
During the first week of games, Kapler said no one will play on back-to-back days and veterans will likely be limited to four-to-five innings in the field.
Low-velocity duo off the mark
Two (relatively) soft-tossing relievers with a good chance of making the Giants’ Opening Day roster made their spring debuts out of the bullpen Monday, and neither outing went as planned.
Lefty Jerry Blevins and righty Nick Vincent took the mound Monday against Arizona and both allowed home runs to the first batter they faced. Blevins induced a popout in foul territory to wrap up the second inning, but Vincent gave up back-to-back homers in the top of the eighth and gave up a third home run before he was pulled with just one out in the inning.
On Tuesday, the pitcher with one of the slowest fastballs in the majors, Tyler Rogers, will take the mound as he’ll show off his submarine-style delivery against the White Sox.
No member of the trio regularly hits 90 miles per hour on the radar gun, but Rogers was the team’s best reliever as a rookie last September while Blevins and Vincent were both above league-average during the second half of the 2019 season.
After Monday’s win, Kapler reiterated his confidence in Blevins and Vincent and noted the coaching staff doesn’t put much stock in one game sample sizes.
The average major league fastball velocity was 93.4 miles per hour last season, but the Giants think three pitchers with average fastball velocities that ranked in the sixth-percentile or worse can be effective members of the bullpen.


mercurynews--2020-02-25--Fired Oakland police chief breaks her silence, considers lawsuit

OAKLAND — Deciding not to go quietly , fired police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick broke her silence Sunday evening , saying her termination may be the result of retaliation for refusing a police commissioner ’ s request to be reimbursed for towing fees .
The commissioner is one of seven members who voted unanimously Thursday evening to fire the chief .
Because Mayor Libby Schaaf joined the decision , the citizen board did not have to state a cause .
Kirkpatrick , who has hired crisis manager Sam Singer , did not rule out the possibility of bringing legal action against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me is shocking , ” Kirkpatrick said Sunday evening .
“ I think it ’ s very clear they didn ’ t have cause , nor am I a leader who is going to give you cause.
” Two other former Oakland chiefs , Howard Jordan and Sean Whent , came to Kirkpatrick ’ s defense , blaming the department ’ s independent federal monitor , Robert Warshaw , for standing in the way of the Oakland police achieving its reform effort .
Kirkpatrick ’ s failure to lift OPD from a nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a contributing factor in her firing .
Jordan and Whent spoke exclusively to the Bay Area News Group ; the interviews represent the largest public offensive against the monitor who all three chiefs worked under .
“ He ’ s at it again , ” Jordan said of Warshaw .
“ He is behind this .
It has his fingerprints all over it .
This time the police commission is doing his dirty work.
” “ Nobody knows what to do to get into compliance , ” Whent said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the federal court ’ s oversight of OPD .
In 2018 , an internal city document recently made public states police Commissioner Ginale Harris demanded the department and the chief pay her back for towing fees .
Kirkpatrick notified city officials , and the request was included in an investigation of Harris done by consultants City Administrator Sabrina Landreth hired .
The chief told the lead investigator she was concerned about retaliation , according to the document .
Harris and her attorney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassing Harris , who is a citizen board member .
A police report documenting a confrontation Harris had with San Francisco police outside her son ’ s school ended up in a local newspaper .
Harris denies ever asking for police to cover any fees , Siegel said Monday .
“ San Francisco police contacted somebody at OPD and then it found its way to the media which seemed on the one hand petty and secondly harassing , ” Siegel said .
“ Being a police commissioner is not like being a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreement you get into with someone suddenly becomes big news .
This is not big news.
” Kirkpatrick ’ s relationship with the commission , which represents Oakland residents and has authority over the chief and police force , has been frosty for months .
Police commissioners had called for the firing of five officers involved in the fatal 2018 shooting of Joshua Pawlik , challenging the suspension recommended by Kirkpatrick , Internal Affairs and the department ’ s Executive Force Review Board .
Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan last month publicly questioned what City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a city employee , and called the probe harassment and possibly illegal according to the City Charter .
Schaaf , Kirkpatrick said Sunday , had as recently as two weeks ago said “ in the company of our staff she would fight for me.
” Last Monday , Schaaf told the chief that the police commission was meeting in closed session later in the week to discuss terminating her , though they appeared they did not have the votes .
Under commission rules , commissioners need a supermajority vote to fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , the commission emerged with a unanimous vote and because it was endorsed by Mayor Schaaf no cause was needed .
Kirkpatrick said the mayor called her at 7:30 p.m. that night .
“ I like my mayor but leaders stand up for their people , they stand up for you when they are serving you well , ” Kirkpatrick said .
“ I came with these mandates to reduce crime and to have these culture shifts , to stabilize this police department , ” Kirkpatrick said .
“ I have more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was chief , the city experienced drops in violent crime , but also a dramatic backsliding on its reform efforts .
Under a 2003 settlement agreement with victims in the Riders case , the U.S. District Court of Northern California required OPD to achieve 52 tasks and appointed an independent monitor to oversee the department .
In 2019 , the department slipped from being out of compliance on three to eight tasks , including in key areas .
Kirkpatrick claimed monitor Warshaw had told her the department was improving but refused to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach Warshaw , who generally only speaks through monitoring reports issued monthly , were not successful .
More bad news was on the horizon .
Civil rights attorney John Burris said a report due out soon found African American officers were being internally disciplined more harshly than their white counterparts .
“ This is a concern I ’ ve had for a long time , ” Burris said .
“ How are you going to recruit black officers if you know you are bringing them into a position that the record suggests they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

OAKLAND — Deciding not to go quietly, fired police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick broke her silence to this news organization, saying her termination may be the result of retaliation for refusing a police commissioner’s request to be reimbursed for towing fees.
“For them to fire me is shocking,” Kirkpatrick said Sunday evening. “I think it’s very clear they didn’t have cause, nor am I a leader who is going to give you cause.”
The former chief, who has hired crisis manager Sam Singer, did not rule out the possibility of bringing legal action against Oakland.
In claiming retaliation from the commission over the towing fee dispute, Kirkpatrick and Singer pointed to a 2018 internal city document recently made public that states police Commissioner Ginale Harris demanded the department and the chief pay her back for towing fees Harris owed the city. Kirkpatrick notified city officials at the time, and the request was included in an investigation of Harris that had been initiated by City Administrator Sabrina Landreth. At the time, the chief told the lead investigator she was concerned about retaliation, according to the document.
Harris is one of seven members who voted unanimously Thursday evening to fire the chief. Because Mayor Libby Schaaf joined the decision, the citizen board did not have to state a cause.
Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan last month publicly questioned what City Hall was doing investigating Harris, who is not a city employee, and called the probe harassment and possibly illegal under the City Charter. Harris and her attorney, Dan Siegel, claim Kirkpatrick had been harassing Harris.
Harris denies ever asking for police to cover any fees, Siegel said Monday. He also pointed to a September 2019 San Francisco police report documenting a confrontation Harris had with staff at her son’s school ended up in a local newspaper.
“San Francisco police contacted somebody at OPD and then it found its way to the media which seemed on the one hand petty and secondly harassing,” Siegel said. “Being a police commissioner is not like being a U.S. senator or a mayor where every trivial disagreement you get into with someone suddenly becomes big news. This is not big news.”
Kirkpatrick’s relationship with the commission, which represents Oakland residents and has authority over the chief and police force, has been frosty for months. Police commissioners had called for the firing of five officers involved in the fatal 2018 shooting of Joshua Pawlik, challenging the suspension recommended by Kirkpatrick, Internal Affairs and the department’s Executive Force Review Board.
Schaaf, Kirkpatrick said Sunday, had as recently as two weeks ago said “in the company of our staff she would fight for me.” Last Monday, Schaaf told the chief that the police commission was meeting in closed session later in the week to discuss terminating her, though they appeared they did not have the votes. Under commission rules, commissioners need a supermajority vote — 5 of 7 members — to fire the chief with cause.
On Thursday evening, the commission emerged with a unanimous vote, and because it was endorsed by Mayor Schaaf, no cause was needed. Kirkpatrick said the mayor called her at 7:30 p.m. that night.
“I like my mayor but leaders stand up for their people, they stand up for you when they are serving you well,” Kirkpatrick said.
“I came with these mandates to reduce crime and to have these culture shifts, to stabilize this police department,” Kirkpatrick added. “I have more than exceeded those expectations.”
Kirkpatrick’s failure to lift OPD from a nearly two-decade-long oversight program is thought to be a contributing factor in her firing. But two other former Oakland chiefs, Howard Jordan and Sean Whent, came to Kirkpatrick’s defense, blaming the department’s independent federal monitor, Robert Warshaw, for standing in the way of the Oakland police achieving its reform effort.
Jordan and Whent spoke exclusively to the Bay Area News Group; the interviews represent the largest public offensive against the monitor whom all three chiefs worked under.
“He’s at it again,” Jordan said of Warshaw. “He is behind this. It has his fingerprints all over it. This time the police commission is doing his dirty work.”
“Nobody knows what to do to get into compliance,” Whent said. “The answers don’t exist.”
Kirkpatrick plans to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the federal court’s oversight of OPD.
While Kirkpatrick was chief, the city experienced drops in violent crime but also a dramatic backsliding on its reform efforts. Under a 2003 settlement agreement with victims in the Riders case, the U.S. District Court of Northern California required OPD to achieve 52 tasks and appointed an independent monitor to oversee the department. In 2019, the department slipped from being out of compliance on three to eight tasks, including in key areas. Kirkpatrick claimed Warshaw had told her the department was improving but refused to put his statements in writing.
Attempts to reach Warshaw, who generally only speaks through monitoring reports issued monthly, were not successful.
The federal oversight was supposed to last five years but has dragged on through 10 police chiefs and multiple mayors, city administrators, and is now under its second federal judge, William Orrick, who replaced retired Judge Thelton Henderson.
In 2016, with three reform tasks remaining, it appeared the program was winding down until Warshaw and Henderson learned of a sexual misconduct case involving officers who were having sex with a teenager, sometimes in exchange for information. Then-Chief Whent, who had not notified federal overseers of the internal investigation, resigned in June.
Whent, who spoke publicly to this news organization for the first time since leaving OPD, said the monitor would give specific orders the department needed to achieve compliance with the federal court. The former chief said the department has come a long way since the Riders case of the early 2000s, a scandal in which officers were accused of beating and planting drugs on West Oakland residents.
“It’s a far better department than it gets credit for,” Whent said.
His predecessor, Chief Jordan, said Warshaw had a hand in forcing him out in 2013, in the years following the department’s controversial handling of Occupy Oakland protests.
“No chief that left had a clean break,” Jordan said. “In my position and Anne’s position, we had professional disagreements that led to our being forced out. You can’t have a professional argument with him. I know that personally.”
Asked if Oakland would emerge from the monitoring program, Jordan said: “No, the only way you are getting out of it is if the Department of Justice does a preemptive strike. That’s the only hope.”
More bad news is on the horizon. Civil rights attorney John Burris said a report due out soon found African-American officers were being internally disciplined more harshly than their white counterparts.
“This is a concern I’ve had for a long time,” Burris said. “How are you going to recruit black officers if you know you are bringing them into a position that the record suggests they are going to be discriminated against?”
Kirkpatrick said she plans to move back to Seattle but is weighing her legal options against the city.
“I am very thankful to the mayor and the city administrator and the residents as well as the City Council,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s really important to me that OPD members and staff know how much I thank them and know they are amazing.”


mercurynews--2020-02-24--Critter Corner: How to get kids involved in pet training

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : We would like to have our kids help with the training of our new pup .
How can we make the training fun so that our kids will be more engaged and willing to participate in the training process ?
Congratulations on your new family member !
Kudos to you for wanting to get your kids involved !
I would recommend you have them teach your new pup some tricks which are always fun and a great thing they can show off to their friends !
Here are a couple easy ones to start .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an easy one to teach and most dogs pick up on it quickly .
With your pup in a sit , place a treat in your hand and put that just in front of their nose to keep their focus up , with the other hand lightly tap the back of one of their front paws .
Once they lift up the paw , place it in your hand and mark the behavior with a yes and follow it with the treat in the other hand .
Over time they will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which point you can then label the behavior .
You can teach them a left and right paw for this one !
The Crawl is another one that most dogs pick up on quickly .
With your pup in a down position , take your treat and place it at their nose and move it forward on the ground slowly away from them .
They should follow by using their front paws to crawl along the floor .
After a crawl or two , mark and treat .
This should be done on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Spin is another one that is fairly easy for most dogs .
With your pup standing in front of you , take a treat at nose level and encourage them to follow it around in a circle creating them to spin .
Once complete , mark and treat .
This is another one that can be done to the left or right .
Tasha Suda is the Lead Dog Trainer for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department .
For more information , please visit www.phs-spca.org , call 650-340-7022 or @ @ @ @ @

Dear Miss Behavin’: We would like to have our kids help with the training of our new pup. How can we make the training fun so that our kids will be more engaged and willing to participate in the training process?
Congratulations on your new family member! Kudos to you for wanting to get your kids involved! I would recommend you have them teach your new pup some tricks which are always fun and a great thing they can show off to their friends! Here are a couple easy ones to start. As always have fun!
The Shake is an easy one to teach and most dogs pick up on it quickly. With your pup in a sit, place a treat in your hand and put that just in front of their nose to keep their focus up, with the other hand lightly tap the back of one of their front paws. Once they lift up the paw, place it in your hand and mark the behavior with a yes and follow it with the treat in the other hand. Over time they will start to offer the paw more readily at which point you can then label the behavior. You can teach them a left and right paw for this one!
The Crawl is another one that most dogs pick up on quickly. With your pup in a down position, take your treat and place it at their nose and move it forward on the ground slowly away from them. They should follow by using their front paws to crawl along the floor. After a crawl or two, mark and treat. This should be done on a carpet or something with similar traction.
The Spin is another one that is fairly easy for most dogs. With your pup standing in front of you, take a treat at nose level and encourage them to follow it around in a circle creating them to spin. Once complete, mark and treat. This is another one that can be done to the left or right.
Tasha Suda is the Lead Dog Trainer for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department. For more information, please visit www.phs-spca.org, call 650-340-7022 or email tsuda@phs-spca.org.


mercurynews--2020-02-24--Vallco developer files claim against Cupertino over ‘downzoning’ vote

The developer that wants to transform the defunct Vallco Shopping Mall into a mixed use development has filed a complaint against the city of Cupertino for trying to gut the heart of its proposal .
Sand Hill Property Co. said it had no choice but to file the claim while waiting for a judge to decide whether to send the project back to the drawing board .
In its claim , Sand Hill says general plan amendments the City Council approved in August eliminated a zoning allowance for up to 2 million square feet of office space , and confines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50-acre Vallco site .
Although the amendment doesn ’ t affect the current proposal , it would apply to any future projects for the site if Sand Hill ’ s plan is tossed .
The company had “ no choice ” to file a claim , Sand Hill managing director Reed Moulds said in an email blast last week , alleging the amendments would amount to “ downzoning ” the property and “ radically [ diminish ] the value of the Site , as they left no potential for a project that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went too far and broke state and federal law , ” Moulds added .
“ The council ’ s mission has clearly been to make sure no project could happen at Vallco.
” The company has argued office space is critical for penciling out large projects with retail and affordable housing and that the city ’ s action amounts to an illegal seizure of the company ’ s property without compensation , which would result in a “ loss of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
” Sand Hill is hoping a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lawsuit , which aims to block a project that envisions construction of 2,402 apartment units , 400,000 square feet of retail and 1.8 million square feet of office space at the former shopping mall .
If the judge upholds the lawsuit , Sand Hill will have to submit a new proposal for the site .
So by filing the claim on Friday , the developer will have set the stage to sue the city over the general plan amendments .
“ Our mission has always been to revitalize a dead mall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart , ” Moulds said in the email .
“ We take action today not only to defend our rights as property owners , but to protect our ability to deliver on this vision for the Cupertino community.
” In a statement issued Monday , the city said Sand Hill ’ s argument that it ’ s no longer feasible for to develop the site at all is “ entirely without basis.
” The city says its economic feasibility studies “ demonstrate that Vallco stands to make a profit by building a project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And although office buildings could be more lucrative for Sand Hill , “ the law does not require the City to permit the most profitable development , only some development.
” The city ’ s statement adds that the purpose of the general plan amendment was to “ maintain a balance between jobs and available housing units.
” In addition , the city says it has reservations about allowing up to 2 million square feet of office space “ when the community ’ s most pressing need at this time is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affordable housing that can accommodate lower-income families.
” Council members who voted for the zoning changes and general plan amendments contend that allowing large amounts of new office space would exacerbate the region ’ s housing crisis by bringing in new workers without the homes to accommodate them .
Sand Hill ’ s current Vallco project is allowed under a state law known as SB35 , which requires cities to approve housing developments as long as they include enough affordable homes and meet zoning and planning rules .
The developer invoked the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group called Better Cupertino tried to block its project through a ballot referendum .
Better Cupertino countered by filing a lawsuit arguing that the city wrongfully approved the project under SB35 .
Despite the litigation , Sand Hill started razing buildings at the site several months ago .
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Helen Williams heard arguments in the lawsuit in December , and is expected to issue a ruling in coming weeks .
Sand Hill has already filed a separate lawsuit against the city related to the zoning changes .

The developer that wants to transform the defunct Vallco Shopping Mall into a mixed use development has filed a complaint against the city of Cupertino for trying to gut the heart of its proposal.
Sand Hill Property Co. said it had no choice but to file the claim while waiting for a judge to decide whether to send the project back to the drawing board.
In its claim, Sand Hill says general plan amendments the City Council approved in August eliminated a zoning allowance for up to 2 million square feet of office space, and confines housing development to 13.1 acres of the 50-acre Vallco site. Although the amendment doesn’t affect the current proposal, it would apply to any future projects for the site if Sand Hill’s plan is tossed.
The company had “no choice” to file a claim, Sand Hill managing director Reed Moulds said in an email blast last week, alleging the amendments would amount to “downzoning” the property and “radically [diminish] the value of the Site, as they left no potential for a project that can feasibly be built.
The council “went too far and broke state and federal law,” Moulds added. “The council’s mission has clearly been to make sure no project could happen at Vallco.”
The company has argued office space is critical for penciling out large projects with retail and affordable housing and that the city’s action amounts to an illegal seizure of the company’s property without compensation, which would result in a “loss of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Sand Hill is hoping a judge will rule against the city’s lawsuit, which aims to block a project that envisions construction of 2,402 apartment units, 400,000 square feet of retail and 1.8 million square feet of office space at the former shopping mall.
If the judge upholds the lawsuit, Sand Hill will have to submit a new proposal for the site. So by filing the claim on Friday, the developer will have set the stage to sue the city over the general plan amendments.
“Our mission has always been to revitalize a dead mall and restore Vallco as Cupertino’s social heart,” Moulds said in the email. “We take action today not only to defend our rights as property owners, but to protect our ability to deliver on this vision for the Cupertino community.”
In a statement issued Monday, the city said Sand Hill’s argument that it’s no longer feasible for to develop the site at all is “entirely without basis.”
The city says its economic feasibility studies “demonstrate that Vallco stands to make a profit by building a project that fits within the General Plan Amendments.” And although office buildings could be more lucrative for Sand Hill, “the law does not require the City to permit the most profitable development, only some development.”
The city’s statement adds that the purpose of the general plan amendment was to “maintain a balance between jobs and available housing units.” In addition, the city says it has reservations about allowing up to 2 million square feet of office space “when the community’s most pressing need at this time is to grow its stock of housing, particularly affordable housing that can accommodate lower-income families.”
Council members who voted for the zoning changes and general plan amendments contend that allowing large amounts of new office space would exacerbate the region’s housing crisis by bringing in new workers without the homes to accommodate them.
Sand Hill’s current Vallco project is allowed under a state law known as SB35, which requires cities to approve housing developments as long as they include enough affordable homes and meet zoning and planning rules.
The developer invoked the law after a faction of residents led by a group called Better Cupertino tried to block its project through a ballot referendum. Better Cupertino countered by filing a lawsuit arguing that the city wrongfully approved the project under SB35.
Despite the litigation, Sand Hill started razing buildings at the site several months ago.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Helen Williams heard arguments in the lawsuit in December, and is expected to issue a ruling in coming weeks.
Sand Hill has already filed a separate lawsuit against the city related to the zoning changes.
Contact Thy Vo at tvo@bayareanewsgroup.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-24--Why Madison Bumgarner’s rodeo hobby should concern Diamondbacks so much

Madison Bumgarner was able to keep his identity more or less a secret while competing in rodeo , but there ’ s no hiding the dangers associated with the former Giants pitcher ’ s preferred hobby of roping calves .
Using the alias of “ Mason Saunders , ” Bumgarner has been surreptitiously participating in team roping events — and doing quite well , even winning $ 26,560 in a December competition — The Athletic reported Sunday .
Not that the man who signed a five-year , $ 85 million deal with the Diamondbacks needs the extra cash — roping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who said “ it ’ s just part of who you are.
” And that could pose a problem for the Diamondbacks , who can ’ t be thrilled Bumgarner ’ s side job is among the most dangerous in sports , even for a strapping , 6-foot-4 man .
In an interview with The Athletic , Arizona general manager Mike Hazen refused to discuss whether Bumgarner ’ s deal includes any clause regarding participating in rodeo events .
But , the Diamondbacks likely already are aware of the risks their star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a real risk of injury for Bumgarner , whose other hobby of riding dirt bikes cost him three months of his 2017 season with the Giants when he injured his shoulder in an accident .
According to one study by a sports epidemiologist at the University of Calgary , rodeo isn ’ t just an unsafe sport , it ’ s even more dangerous than playing football .
Dale Butterwick ’ s research shows nearly 20 of every 100,000 rodeo competitors will suffer a catastrophic injury ( either death or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rate is fewer than one of every 100,000 players .
“ I haven ’ t seen any sport that comes close to that .
In a scientific setting , alarm bells go off , ” Butterwick told The Canadian Press .
Many rodeo injuries , though , are the result of bull riding .
Bumgarner ’ s event of choice is team roping , where two teammates take turns roping steer — a header , whose job is to lasso ( or “ dally ” ) the horns or neck , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hind legs .
However , just because team ropers such as Bumgarner don ’ t leave the saddle while competing doesn ’ t change the fact they risk serious injury .
Losing a thumb during the event is not an uncommon injury .
As Team Roping Journal reports in a story on the big decision whether to save or amputate a thumb , “ Rodeo thumb , or traumatic amputation of the thumb during team roping , is a relatively common injury , particularly among team ropers.
” Bumgarner does take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitcher uses his right hand in competitions .
That ’ s a good thing , too .
Among team roping injuries , the roper ’ s dominant hand was injured 83 percent of the time , according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information .
The traumatic thumb injuries occur when the heeler ’ s digit gets caught in the rope ’ s coil against the saddle ’ s horn while the line between the horse and steer tightens .
The sheer weight of a 650-pound steer on the end of the rope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roper ’ s thumb off .
Perhaps not surprisingly , the traumatic nature of the avulsion injuries doesn ’ t seem to faze cowboys .
Take Justin Johnson , a standout roper who lost his thumb at the National Western Stock Show in Colorado in 2017 .
“ I was not in a panic , I just dallied , a little tug and there goes my thumb flying across the arena , ” Johnson told Denver ’ s KDVR-TV .
“ This is probably the No .
1 danger of team roping events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was mostly proud he earned four first-place scores while losing his thumb .
He was able to have his thumb reattached but , like others who have suffered the injury , he ’ ll never completely recover from it .
The best cowboys can hope for is for the thumb to return to 80 percent normal , said Dr. David Schnur , a Colorado plastic surgeon at Presbyterian/St .
Luke ’ s Medical Center .
“ These roping kind of injuries are some of the most difficult we deal with , ” Schnur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery process .
“ Ranchers and cowboys are always hard because they want to go back to work the minute they get out of the hospital.
” In the American Journal of Sports Medicine ’ s 20-year study of 19 thumb amputation cases related to rodeo injuries , only 5 of the 15 attempts of replantation were successful .
Perhaps not surprisingly , every one of those studied returned to competing in rode , including seven patients whose thumbs couldn ’ t be saved .
Given the evidence of potential risk for Bumgarner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why it may not be a good idea for him to continue to compete in the rodeo arena .
But what we may see as just a dangerous hobby , Bumgarner sees as a way of life .
“ No matter what hobbies I have , I take ‘ em serious , ” Bumgarner told The Athletic .
“ That ’ s just my personality .
I don ’ t do anything just for fun , per se .
I wish I did .
”

Madison Bumgarner was able to keep his identity more or less a secret while competing in rodeo, but there’s no hiding the dangers associated with the former Giants pitcher’s preferred hobby of roping calves.
Using the alias of “Mason Saunders,” Bumgarner has been surreptitiously participating in team roping events — and doing quite well, even winning $26,560 in a December competition — The Athletic reported Sunday. Not that the man who signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Diamondbacks needs the extra cash — roping runs much deeper than that for Bumgarner, who said “it’s just part of who you are.”
And that could pose a problem for the Diamondbacks, who can’t be thrilled Bumgarner’s side job is among the most dangerous in sports, even for a strapping, 6-foot-4 man. In an interview with The Athletic, Arizona general manager Mike Hazen refused to discuss whether Bumgarner’s deal includes any clause regarding participating in rodeo events. But, the Diamondbacks likely already are aware of the risks their star left-hander has taken during rodeos.
There’s a real risk of injury for Bumgarner, whose other hobby of riding dirt bikes cost him three months of his 2017 season with the Giants when he injured his shoulder in an accident.
According to one study by a sports epidemiologist at the University of Calgary, rodeo isn’t just an unsafe sport, it’s even more dangerous than playing football. Dale Butterwick’s research shows nearly 20 of every 100,000 rodeo competitors will suffer a catastrophic injury (either death or a life-altering injury). For football, the rate is fewer than one of every 100,000 players.
“I haven’t seen any sport that comes close to that. In a scientific setting, alarm bells go off,” Butterwick told The Canadian Press.
Many rodeo injuries, though, are the result of bull riding. Bumgarner’s event of choice is team roping, where two teammates take turns roping steer — a header, whose job is to lasso (or “dally”) the horns or neck, and the heeler, who ropes the animal’s hind legs.
However, just because team ropers such as Bumgarner don’t leave the saddle while competing doesn’t change the fact they risk serious injury. Losing a thumb during the event is not an uncommon injury.
As Team Roping Journal reports in a story on the big decision whether to save or amputate a thumb, “Rodeo thumb, or traumatic amputation of the thumb during team roping, is a relatively common injury, particularly among team ropers.”
Bumgarner does take some precautions while competing as the left-handed pitcher uses his right hand in competitions. That’s a good thing, too. Among team roping injuries, the roper’s dominant hand was injured 83 percent of the time, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The traumatic thumb injuries occur when the heeler’s digit gets caught in the rope’s coil against the saddle’s horn while the line between the horse and steer tightens. The sheer weight of a 650-pound steer on the end of the rope has been known to pop a team roper’s thumb off.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the traumatic nature of the avulsion injuries doesn’t seem to faze cowboys. Take Justin Johnson, a standout roper who lost his thumb at the National Western Stock Show in Colorado in 2017.
“I was not in a panic, I just dallied, a little tug and there goes my thumb flying across the arena,” Johnson told Denver’s KDVR-TV. “This is probably the No. 1 danger of team roping events is cutting your fingers out.”
Johnson was mostly proud he earned four first-place scores while losing his thumb. He was able to have his thumb reattached but, like others who have suffered the injury, he’ll never completely recover from it. The best cowboys can hope for is for the thumb to return to 80 percent normal, said Dr. David Schnur, a Colorado plastic surgeon at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center.
“These roping kind of injuries are some of the most difficult we deal with,” Schnur told KDVR-TV, noting the problematic long recovery process. “Ranchers and cowboys are always hard because they want to go back to work the minute they get out of the hospital.”
In the American Journal of Sports Medicine’s 20-year study of 19 thumb amputation cases related to rodeo injuries, only 5 of the 15 attempts of replantation were successful. Perhaps not surprisingly, every one of those studied returned to competing in rode, including seven patients whose thumbs couldn’t be saved.
Given the evidence of potential risk for Bumgarner, it’s easy to see why it may not be a good idea for him to continue to compete in the rodeo arena. But what we may see as just a dangerous hobby, Bumgarner sees as a way of life.
“No matter what hobbies I have, I take ‘em serious,” Bumgarner told The Athletic. “That’s just my personality. I don’t do anything just for fun, per se. I wish I did.”