Friday, July 18, 1975 THE MICHIGAN DAILY Doge Eleven FrdyJly1, 95T HEMCIA ~L aeEee Juryre, By The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS - The assault trial of Dave Forbes went to the jury yesterday in a case marking the first time a proessional athlete has been taken to criminal court in the United States for an incident that occurred during a sports con- test. The jury of seven men and five women re- ceived the case shortly before noon. Forbes, 26, of the Boston Bruins, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon - his hickey stick. The charge stems from a attack on Henry Boucha of the Minnesota North Stars in a National Hockey League game last Jan. 4 at Bloomington, Minn. A guilty verdict could have major significance if civil authori- ties choose to intercede as a result of future violence in sports. Hennepin County District Judge Rolf Fosseen told the jury it could return one of three verdicts - guilty of the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $5,000 fine; guilty of assault, a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail and a $300 fine, or innocent. Throughout the six days of testimony, prosecu- tor Cary Flakne attempted to demonstrate that the Forbes-Boucha scrap was not a typical hockey fight. "This did not ccur as a normal event in a hockey game," said Flakne in his closing argu- ments. "It was unique . . . It was a deliberate attack with a weapon. "This was an assault. It was not a fight . . . A crime is a crime no matter where it occurs." Defense attorney Ron Meshbesher argued that the fight was not out of the ordinary in a sport that encourages violence, and that a player ac- cepts the possibility of fights when he goes on the ice. lires in Forbes trial Conviction would have widespread effects in all sports, he said, because civil officials would in effect become extra referees at athletic contests. In his closing arguments, Meshbesher contend- ed that Forbes was the victim of a "hometown indictment." "I submit to you that had this man been wear- ing a different colored uniform that night, he would not be sitting behind the counsel table and undergoing the agony of a trial," he said. Meshbesher also said the injury to Boucha's eye was caused by a punch, not Forbes' stick. "He (Forbes) is guilty of being a fierce com- petitor in a game of violence, that's all," Mesh- besher said. Testifying in his own behalf Wednesday, Forbes denied he had used his stick to injure Boucha. Forbes said he probably was holding his stick as he skated towards Boucha, intent on settling the score for an earlier "sucker punch." But he denied using the butt end as a spear, causing the eye injury. The gash required 30 stitches to close, and Boucha, 24, says he still suffers from double vision. Boucha also says he plans a civil suit against Forbes, in an attempt to collect monetary damages. The two players had clashed earlier in the game when they went into a corner for the puck. Forbes admitted elbowing Boucha and said the Minnesota player hit him with a "sucker punch." Forbes conceded that he fumed over the inci- dent, thinking of ways to "even the score." But he denied any intent to use the stick as a weapon. Forbes testified that fighting is part of the game and that a player who is intimidated be- comes an easy mark for other players. DAVE FORBES talked to reporters yesterday after the jury in his trial retired for deliberation. He stands accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after attacking Henry Boucha in a Jan. 4 hockey game. The Michigan Daily Sports Major League Leaders M ball Kuh ond bea Lea was Fin: berg T ers only join that coul acti his B New vote on ove vote "I had a n wan SPORTS OF THE DAILY Bowie Kuhn keeps C commissioner post MILWAUKEE (/P) - Base- FINLEY wheeled and shot Commission announced that l Commissioner B o w i e back at he walked out the Don King, the man behind the in was re-elected to a sec- door "Just shows me some Ali-Frazier fight, has been giv- seven-year term yesterday, more class." en a promoter's license in New ting off an American Later Finley told newsmen York. King then announced that gue move to oust him which that the two votes against Kuhn Frazier and Ali each has agreed led by owners Charles O. were from Oakland and Balti- to fight Foreman here next ley of Oakland Jerry Hoff- more. "I received word today July. ger of Baltimore. at 7 a.m. that New York and hey and two other AL own- Texas were changing their NL Desi a no-no had voted against Kuhn votes," Finley said. 13 hours before today's The Oakland boss did not MILWAUKEE (A') - The t meeting, and it seemed seem upset over losing the National League rejected pro- the best the commissioner showdown with Kuhn. posals for designated hitter and Id hope for was a staying "I LIKE to feel we all live designated runner rules, league on in which a final vote on in a democratic America," he President Charles Fenney said status would be tabled, said. "You win a few and you yesterday. UT the Texas Rangers and lose a few. When you lose, you The American League in- York Yankees, who had have to lose as graciously as stituted the designated hitter d against the commissioner you do when you win." rule last year. Wednesday, were swayed * * * Ray Kroc, owner of the San rnight, and in the formal Au-Frazier again? Diego Padres, proposed the DH , Kuhn was re-elected 22-2. NEWYORK( -) A rule, but it was defeated 10-2. would have resigned if it N-A news The designated runner rule, been tabled," Kuhn said at conference was held yesterday suggested by Bing Devine, gen- ews conference. "I have to announce something old-Mu- eral manager of the St. Louis g hammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier in Cardinals, was beaten 11-1. ted to resign. for a lo anilon t1 tR tomeaonOc an returnas tCodiatueaspractlc-e. Based on 225 at Bats. AMERICAN LEAGUE Player Club G AB R H Pect. Carew Min 81 303 55 113 .373 Lynn Bsn 79 284 60 97 .342 Hargrove Tex 79 271 50 94 .338 Munson NY 84 319 42 104 .321 washington Oak 83 328 51 104 .317 Ystrzemski Bsn 85 307 59 96 .313 Hisle Min 61 225 34 70 .311 McRae KC 87 335 42 104 .310 G1. Brett KC It 349 408501 .304 Orta Chi 78 297' 41 15 .291 Home Runs Bonds, New York, 20; R. Jack- son, Oakland, 18; Burroughs, Texas, 18; Mayberry, Kansas City, 17; Lynn, Boston, 16: Hendrick, Cleve- land. 16; HORTON. DETROIT, 1; G. Scott, Milwaukee,Eo T, Runs Batted In Lynn, Boston, 71; Rice, Boston, 61; HORTON, DETROIT, 61; L. May, Baltimore, 59; G. scott, Mil- waukee, 58. Pitching 9 Decisions . Palmer, Baltimore, 13-6, .684; Kaat, Chicago, 13-6, .684; M. Torrez, Baltimore, 10-5, .667; Bird, Kansas City, 6-3, .667; Bosman, Oakland, 6-3, .667; Wise, Boston, 11-6, .647; Blyleven, Minnesota , 7-4, .636; Blue, Oakland, 12-7, .632. Based on 225 at Bats. NATIONAL LEAGUE Player Club G AB R H Pet. Madlock Chi 79 320 45 113 .353 Morgan Cin 83 287 61 99 .345 Sanguillen Pgh 77 281 33 95 .238 0. Parker Pek. 77 201 44 91 .336 Watson Htn 84 313 41 102 .326 Cash Phi 89 376 65 122 .324 T. Simmons StL 84 296 44 96 .324 Bowa Phi - 63 274 34 88 .321 Rose Cia 90 379 58 121 .319 Jloskua IF 70 2t4 31 04 .318 Home Runs L a r i n s ki, Philadelphia, ns; Bench. Cincinnati, 19; Stargell, Pittsburgh. 17; Schmidt, Philadel- ohia, 61: Kingman. New York, 15; 0. Parker. Pittsburgh, 15; G. Foster, Cincinnati. 15. Runs Batted In L uzci nas k I, Philadelphia, 29; Bench, Cincinnati, 23; Watson, Houston, 61; Morgan, Cincinnati, 60; staub, New York, 59. Pitching 9 Decisions Billineham, Cincinnati, 10-3, .769; Gullett, Cincinnati, 9-3, .750;,Seav- er, New York, 13-5, .722; S. Stone, Chicago, 7-3, .700; Kirby, Cincin- nati, 7-3, .700; Messersmith, Los Angeles, 12-6, .667; Kison, Pitts- burgh, 8-4, .667; R. Jones, San Diego, 11-6, .647. time and return to the practice of law, but the persuasive pow- ers of baseball's senior mem- bers persuaded me to continue for the best interests of the game." While'Kuhn was talking, Fin- ley entered the room. The com- missioner glared at him and said, "You may leave my room, Charlie." WE MAKE i T HAPPEN UM Stylists at the UNION Open Mon.-Sat. 41CLIl V1 v,. . U L b produced something new-a probable heavyweight title de- fense by the winner against George Foreman in New York next July. KE E N E T H Sherwood of the New York State Athletic TONIGHT 8:00 New York Street Theatre Caravans . present BITTER HARVEST SCHORLING AUD. School of Ed. Bldg. $1.50 WILLIAM POWELL NIGHT 1947 THE SENATOR WAS INDISCREET (at 7:30) Powell portlays a bird-brained Senator who lets a hot political diary get out of his hands. A fine comedy by George Kaufman. ANOTHER THIN MAN (at 9:30) Dashiell Hammet's famous super slueth reappears with Powell in the original role. Myra Loy is back again as Nora. SAT.: Janet Gaynor & Fredric March in A STAR IS BORN (at 7:30) Michael Curtiz's SEA HAWK (at 9:30) CINEMA GUILD TONIGHT AT OLD ARCH. AUD. 7:0&9:30 Both Films for $1.50