Photographer Park Zebley has filed a lawsuit against Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders, the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority and Landmark Events Staffing, after allegedly being shoved by Adams after a “Monday Night Football” game. Zebley, who was credentialed and working for a local production company contracted by ESPN, claims the defendants failed to provide sufficient on-field security. Adams was charged with misdemeanor assault, while the Raiders face one count of vicarious liability and ratification and one count of negligent supervision. Zebley also received death threats from Raiders fans after the incident.
As per the analysis by court records in Missouri, a photographer who was allegedly shoved by Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams after a “Monday Night Football” game has filed a lawsuit against Adams and several other parties. The lawsuit names the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders, the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, and Landmark Events Staffing as defendants.
Park Zebley, a University of Missouri-Kansas City student who was working for a local production company contracted by ESPN to cover the Week 5 game, was credentialed and on the field when the incident occurred. As Adams walked off the field at the end of the game, Zebley appeared to be shoved hard enough that he was knocked off his feet.
Adams was later charged with misdemeanor assault, but Zebley has decided to take legal action against the NFL star. “A municipal misdemeanor battery charge is not sufficient,” Zebley said in a statement. “I’m looking for justice. You can’t shove someone down and walk off like it didn’t happen. Not in real life.”
The lawsuit claims that the Chiefs, Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, and Landmark Events Staffing “failed to provide the requisite amount and quality of on-field security.” Adams is being sued for one count of battery, while the Raiders face one count of vicarious liability and ratification and one count of negligent supervision.
The lawsuit also mentions that Zebley received death threats from Raiders fans after his identity became public knowledge shortly after the incident. “In the days that followed, media and various fans of the Las Vegas Raiders and Adams discovered (Zebley’s) identity, circulated his contact information, and made death threats against him, as well as other generally vile comments,” the lawsuit states. “(Zebley) felt concerned for his own safety and sought counseling and stayed away from his apartment.”
Dan Curry, an attorney representing Zebley, said that the lawsuit is seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm that Zebley suffered as a result of the incident. “This is about accountability,” Curry said. “It’s about making sure that the people who are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone on the field are held accountable for their actions.”
The incident has drawn attention to the issue of on-field security at NFL games. While the league has taken steps to improve security in recent years, incidents like this one demonstrate that more needs to be done to protect the safety of everyone on the field.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it is likely to become a focal point for discussions about the need for better security measures at NFL games. Whether or not Zebley is successful in his lawsuit, the incident has already had a significant impact on the way that the league and its teams approach security at games.
Photo Credit: a57.foxnews.com
