Marvin Harrison Case Dropped by Philly DA: Sal Paolantonio and ESPN look like hacks once again

by BigBlueShoe on Jan 6, 2009 11:56 AM EST in Bad Journalism Comment 60 comments

As we have reported here since last May, despite what ESPN, Fanhouse, Philly's WIP Radio, and several other news outlets have tried to fabricate, Marvin Harrison did not shoot anyone and isn't going to be charged with any crime:

Philadelphia district attorney Lynne Abraham said today she will not charge Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison with weapons charges stemming from an April 29 shooting near a car wash he owns.

It is important to note that yesterday ESPN's Sal Paolantonio supposedly had sources suggesting that charges against Harrison would be filed today. They weren't, and the Philly DA pretty much threw Sal Pal under the bus (which is where the hack belongs, in our humble opinion). Now, since yesterday, Sal Pal and his ESPN cronies have updated (aka, altered) their original online report so they don't look as stupid. From KFFL:

Kfflharrison_medium

As you may recall, Sal Pal attacked Harrison for having friends and family members who were poor and living in rough Philly neighborhoods. Classy guy that Sal. We also shouldn't forget Mike Florio's "stellar" legal advice for Harrison.

Also, it is 12:16pm Eastern time, and Florio still has not updated PFT with the Harrison news. Oh my God, what a douchebag.

So, just like the 2008 regular season, the Marvin Harrison non-shooting media fiasco is over. Again, this was never really a story. There were no charges and Marvin Harrison was never a suspect. All this circus did was drag a great player's reputation through the mud. The sorry, sad state of sports journalism was fully on display with the Marvin Harrison "incident." For Marvin, we hope this recent news gives him some vindication.

For Sal Paolantonio and ESPN, we hope they choke on it.

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I'm sure that Paolantonio will be held accountable.

Right?

by coltsfanawalt on Jan 6, 2009 11:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

shyaah

When the Cardinals host a playoff game.

Oh wait…

by KingRichard on Jan 6, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I looked at

I looked at Florio’s website shortly after 11:00 for any news on the Harrison case because I figured since he was reporting so aggressively on the story before it was one that he would have the result of the press conference before anybody. There was no mention of it. Looked at 12:00, no mention again. Hmm. Maybe it was not newswothy anymore since the outcome was not to his liking. There’s another Colt hater that looks like an idiot. Maybe if we wait long enough he will issue an apology or correct his error for misreporting the Harrison case. Yeh, right.

by Blueisgood on Jan 6, 2009 12:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

'No charges'

Isn’t a story, so you will barely see it anywhere.. Have to see if the NFL network even mentions it tonight. This was a made up story from the start about a guy that doesn’t talk to the press so they would have loved to show his ‘dark side’. He won’t give them stories and sound bytes so they make them up.

An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...

by bluegirl on Jan 6, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Media

Well the media has been salivating at the thought of a consistent playoff team having something to report on other than : “So they watched some film, practiced, played, had a day off and continued for 17 weeks.”

Remember, you’re not cool if you cut a guy for smoking pot, don’t have a murderer (sorry Ray Lewis, you’re awesome, don’t hurt me), spy on other teams, “but she told me she aws 18!” (sorry Mark Chmura), get addicted to pain killers etc…

We’re too boring for them.

by monstersbox on Jan 6, 2009 12:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Florio

Has something posted now. Give him a bit of a break. The guy does a solid job of posting stories quickly that also contain plenty of editorial comments. It’s not just a quick news blurb he’s posting. Not to mention he’s usually squeezing in several radio appearances every few hours (as he did today just after the Harrison story broke.)

I think Mike has good content as well as stuff that is very Peter Vescey-like (throw crap against a wall and see what sticks). I think his points on Harrison today are pretty good. Mike is a full-time lawyer doing PFT on the side, so his comments regarding this case should at least get some respect regardless of whether you agree or disagree as a simple fan.

by jumunjis on Jan 6, 2009 12:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Um, no. Florio is a pest and needs to be exterminated. Just like Christmas Ape over at KSK. They are both full of crap and fail at being funny.

by KingRichard on Jan 6, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hey they said something nice about Dungy yesterday

it was in order to bash Favre and it was Drew not X-mas Ape

"I talked to Brett Favre, and he said to Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, ‘Look… don’t count on me next year. I may come back, or I may not.’" (from Peter Kings MMQB)

You know, for the past four years, Tony Dungy has considered retiring. You know what Dungy does? He goes away for a week, thinks it over, and then tells the Colts what he’s going to do. Decision over. Why does Dungy do this? BECAUSE HE’S A FUCKING PROFESSIONAL. Everything you need to know about Brett Favre is contained in that quote. Don’t rely on me, team! But be sure to cater to my every whim should I make up my mind by September!

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Doak Walker award winner
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Jan 6, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding.

Dungy is an adult. Unlike Favre who, imo, is a spoiled rotten, selfish, self-centered brat. I lost so much respect for him after his little fit last summer. I mean, he went on Greta, and that is supposed to be ok? It was basically like a child throwing a tantrum. But, he did it in front of the world.

I hope he retires.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for letting me know

since i havnt been to espn.com in a few days…

"I may not be a class act, but I'm an American."
-- Ron Artest on wanting to play for the Olympic team

by zkmavz on Jan 6, 2009 12:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

This is halirious

*Harrison gets in fight with victim
*Harrison’s gun is the gun used to shoot victim

but Harrison wasn’t involved at all with shooting?

Who’s kool aid are you idiots drinking?

The only reason why this isn’t a story is b/c here in Philly there is a “no snitching” street law. This is just another athlete getting away with something and you have to be retarded not to see that.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Or

Or it could be another classic case of trying to get rich quick by filing a lawsuit against a rich NFL player who happened to be nearby.

Idiot.

by yellowsnow on Jan 6, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW they don't look like dumbasses

The police say they THOUGHT they had enough evidence for a case, the DA said they didn’t. Where does Sal lie or bull shit?

You guys are just blinded by him being on your team and are the only ones that look like dumb asses.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

no.

we’re blinded by the fact that he wasn’t charged with anything in a day and age where high profiled people are ‘prosectuted to the fullest extent of the law’ just so people get the point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

The victim is trying to extract money from him but still…. I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope none of you are detectives any time soon.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Evidence?

So the police thought they had enough evidence for a case. That does not necessarily mean it is a case against Marvin Harrison. They have said for a long time now he is not even a suspect.

Stop being dumb and leave.

by yellowsnow on Jan 6, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Doesnt matter

If someone shoots YOUR gun in Philly YOU are responsible.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

they say there is "not enough evidence to charge him"

and that “witnesses have been less than cooperative with the authorities.” that does not mean “we have looked into it and found out he was surely not involved”. a guy he fought with? shot with his own pretty little handgun? maybe harrison wasn’t the trigger guy, but to pretend like that isn’t fishy is ridiculous. he doesn’t know who uses his blingin’ belgian pistol and why? right. even if he had nothing to do with it, which is a pretty outrageous claim, anyone who can’t keep track of their own firearms clearly does not have the maturity required for owning something thank can kill someone in the blink of an eye. if he weren’t a cherished colts player, almost every single person here would feel differently.

The Official Enforcer of MCM

by hal41605 on Jan 6, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

what exactly do you want Colts fans to do?

Not only has he not been found guilty, he hasn’t been charged. Let me repeat this for the slow kids:

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED

What are Colts fans supposed to go, go to signs that say DIRTY HARRISON with handcuffs on them? How can anyone get up in arms over someone that:

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED

Are we supposed to presume guilt in a situation where someone:

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED?

A couple more points: There is no legal ground for the Colts to get rid of Harrison since:

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED.

They would have been sued faster than you could say ‘im a titans’ fan on a Colts message board talkin about Marvin Harrison instead of doing what I should be doing: Working over my Ray Lewis voodoo doll.’

Second, Marvin Harrison won’t be with the Colts next year. If history is any indication, Harrison will, in fact, be a Titan next year, I expect you to be OUTRAGED BY THE SIGNING.

And finally, let me say this:

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So fucking what!

It doesn’t matter if he was charged or not. OJ Simpson was not guilty does that mean he didn’t whack anybody?

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, OJ was atleast charged where as Marvin Harrison wasn’t.

And yea, if you live in America (Im assuming they still consider PA part of the states?) then you abide by the laws there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and he didn't

In philadelphia you’re responsible for YOUR gun when it’s fired.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

once again

You’re outraged with how a law is being handled in your city/state and the first thing you can think to do in this fit of rage is…

go to a message board for a sports team in a city 10 hours away.

Logic, its not just for flushing down the toilet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and more importantly

if you truly live in philly and are outraged, there is a better place for you to take it up than a Colts message board.

You seem like a bright guy, so i’ll let you figure out where that might be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 6, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How about

You look towards your own team and consider that your precious MVP of your team blatantly dragged his cleats across the face of another player that had no helmet on and was helpless at the bottom of a pile eh?

For someone that has Johnson, White, and Haynesworth on their team, this isn’t even calling the kettle black. This is the pot sneaking in at night, painting the kettle black and saying “I TOLD YOU SO! HAHA!”

Titans fan preaching about character. That’s classic.

by monstersbox on Jan 6, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

pot/kettle

oooh – nice one!

by LovinBlue on Jan 6, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

never said a word about character or class

only talking about this one incident, you should try doing the same.

The Official Enforcer of MCM

by hal41605 on Jan 6, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not being charged

Doesn’t mean he’s innocent. It means they probably don’t have enough evidence to win the case but doesn’t say what the evidence is…

by primetime 07 on Jan 6, 2009 3:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dear Sirs/Madames

It has come to our attention that you are outraged that people are not belting Marvin Harrison with batteries to show him our disgust in him apparently not being involved in a case and definitely not being charged with any wrong doing.

It is our sincere regret that you’re unhappy in these tough times. We understand that people not attempting to ruin someone’s life for a crime they didn’t commit can be hard on you and your loved ones. We appreciate how this alleged crime, which has no bearing on you or your family, is taking a toll on you.

With all that being said, we have just one question: What the F*@! do you want us to do about it?

Please get back to us in a timely manner,

the Society of True Fans, and their Uprisings (S.T.F.U.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Perfect!

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

?

If anyone is outraged it’s BBS (at least he’s outraged enough that he doesn’t notice the title of this post ignores grammar). I was just clarifying something for you.

Sheesh…It’s possible to engage in a conversation without thinking everyone is out to get you.

by primetime 07 on Jan 6, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

exactly. dont mind nideak, kid is probably 15 and ultra naive

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 7, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As for your question

What the F*@! do you want us to do about it?

Acknowledge that not being charged isn’t the DA saying he’s innocent. Or guilty.

by primetime 07 on Jan 6, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How about you piss off? Yeah I like that idea better.

by KingRichard on Jan 6, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

That’s about right.

by primetime 07 on Jan 6, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You are basically making yourself look like a dick right now. Honestly, we get the fact that the DA didn’t come right out and say whether they thought he was guilty or not guilty. But here’s a couple stupid questions for you: Why would they? Why would they want to tarnish someone’s spotless public image because they may have some evidence but not enough to charge him for it?

You are just arguing semantics here and it’s really annoying.

by KingRichard on Jan 6, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

So if a guy who has a clean record for 35 years does something bad the DA should cover up any wrong doing so there’s no blemish on the record?

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 7, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

If nobody is saying he’s guilty or innocent, why is everyone over here putting us fans down because we choose to believe in him?

Seriously. We love Marv over here. Is anyone really surprised with what we are writing? NO EVIDENCE. NO. GUILT.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

just to clarify my position (missionary)

I like Marv, but my posts aren’t because of my like/love for him. If he was charged/prosecuting, whatever, I’d be pretty pissed… I don’t want to cheer for criminals. That said, I find it hard to stir up my anger (and I can be pretty angry) over someone that…

HAS

NOT

BEEN

CHARGED.

Yes, folks, its that simple for me. I assume that cops/DAs know what they are doing. Maybe this will come back to bite me in the ass and someone will shoot me and you can go KARMA HAHAH when they get off, but whatever. I can’t be outraged at someone that isn’t charged with a crime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Position.

Really.

/speechless

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

all that talk about going to prison had me in the mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

You are always good for a laugh… :D

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m glad I’m good for somethin’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good points

Fair enough.

by primetime 07 on Jan 6, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Um, sorry but

In a free society, you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. Since he has not been charged with a crime, let alone proven to have committed one, he is innocent.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Jan 6, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know you Eagles, Titans, and Chiefs fans dont follow Colts players

but if you would have followed the case, you would have known that the victim kept changing his story. is a convicted felon, and even “admitted” that they just wanted money. Kind of fishy dont you think?

by metal_militia on Jan 6, 2009 6:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

DUDE

WHY AREN’T YOU PISSED OFF AT MARVIN. GET ANGRY. COME ON, DO IT, GIVE IN TO YOUR HATRED. ONLY THEN WILL YOU PLEASE FANS OF OTHER TEAMS TRYING TO GET A RISE OUT OF IS. DO IT NOW DAMNIT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 6, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 6, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

chill out retard

no one is pissed at anybody. however, we’re just saying there’s something FISHY about the whole situation. no one said he was guilty or not but you guys act like there’s nothing wrong with the situation……..uh his gun was fired at someone

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Jan 7, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

check out the fanpost link a few story's ahead of this one

they found shell casings in the other guys truck.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Doak Walker award winner
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Jan 7, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So?

Still his gun.

by primetime 07 on Jan 7, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you have something better to worry about?

Like, who is going to take over your team and make something out of them?

by coltsfanawalt on Jan 7, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So, self defense with a register gun is legal

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Doak Walker award winner
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Jan 7, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You've convinced me

OKAY GUYS, everyone meet me at the IHOP in 15 minutes, we’re going after Harrison, time to make a Colts Fans Arrest!

YOU’RE GOIN DOWN, MARV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 7, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gomer Pyle Style?

by coltsfanawalt on Jan 7, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Again

The victims attorney stated that he wants to sue Harrison even if he wasnt the shooter, The Victim kept changing his story, They found Shell casings belonging to the victim, and he is a convicted felon. That to me says innocent rather than guilty.

by metal_militia on Jan 7, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You're telling me to chill out?

I’m making fun of you, thats all there is to it. I’m copying you, because you’re ridiculous. If you think there is something fishy about it, going to a Colts message board isn’t the place. You’re pretty dumb and you havent gotten the hints I’ve been giving you, so let me help you out: If you feel that the Philly Police/DA are mishandling it, the place to fight for truth and justice isn’t at a message board filled with geeks from indianapolis, its with your local government.

For Christ sakes, its like going to a restaurant, getting food poisoning, and then bitching to the people that made the toilet you puked in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGdAPjcgaM&eurl=http://www.only17points.com/&feature=player_embedded

by Nideak on Jan 7, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN still at it

Sorry for the double post.
I was just watching Mike and Mike in The Morning, and the crawler across the bottom was saying;
“Philadelphia DA decides not to file gun charges against Colts WR Marvin Harrison YET”.

The added word “yet” is obviously a desperate attempt to keep the story alive and imply that Marvin is still guilty of something.

Pigs.

by HoosierHorseman on Jan 7, 2009 9:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs