The Jim Leyritz Story Gets Even Sadder

Postman, you are absolutely correct. What a tragedy to that probably very happy family. Why can't people get it???? I do not care if they are athletes or factory workers, you don't drink and drive. I am no better than anyone else as I drink, but my wife and I take a cab, execucar, etc if we are going to have more than one drink. It may cost a few extra dollars but you sure can get up and look in the mirror. The real sad part is Jim will probably drink and drive again.

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This is just a Godamn shame. 9 hours and released? Now he will get a high priced high profile attorney, and justice will NOT be served. Meanwhile a 5 year old cries for his Mom...Too sad.

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OMG, IF THIS WAS BONDS, THIS BLOG WOULD BE FILLED UP WITH ABOUT 200 MESSAGES SAYING HOW THEY SHOULD HANG HIM BY HIS NUTS. BUT NOOOOOOOOOOO, WHITE BOY WILL GET AWAY WITH IT, BET U 50 BUCKS.

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Phil, it's not just "White Boy". Was justice served with Leonard Little?

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I notice,Phil, that you "Blackies" vs "Whities" guys never mention O.J. Simpson very much and his killing of two "Whities" and getting away with murder? System is only "White" when it doesn't work YOUR way, huh?!

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Please folks, let's not forget the Argentinians!

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The guy was celebrating his 44th birthday, and more than likely was out with pals on the town, nothing more unordinary than a lot of us have done in the past, he made a terrible choice but i cannot for the life of me say in a malicious manner, and in doing so, the following actions have torn apart multiples lives, including his own.

No one can sit here and say that Jim Leyritz "meant" to kill a single soul, and the only reason hes out is because it was completely unintentional, there was no motive other than doing what thousands of other people do or have done in their lifetimes: try to make it home after a birthday party or celebration downtown.

This is an awful scenario, and frankly, i feel badly for ALL parties involved, heres hoping Leyritz will man up and accept his fate, and try to right the wrongs he unwillingly committed.

Redemption and atonement will graciously be sought if hes truly a man.

For the Vietch family, my condolences.

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He didnt INTEND to do this?? Lets cut to the chase. He BROKE THE LAW. Michael Vick kills some dogs and THE NATION is all over him and RIGHTFULLY SO. He broke the law. But why do WHITES always give their own race a "pass" when "they" get in trouble. You are merciless when it comes to judgement of blacks but MERCIFUL when in judgement of whites. THIS IS WAY WORSE THAN VICK! Leyritz broke 2 laws (driving while tipsy and KILLING). How many people have to explain to their kids why a parent isnt coming home? You guys seem so compasionate but what if the dead victim was your mom? Would you feel so bad for Mr. Leyritz? He showed negligence JUST LIKE VICK. He showed bad judgement, JUST LIKE VICK and he was irresponsible JUST LIKE VICK. And the media and fans should be pummeling him in the press JUST LIKE VICK!

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He's no different than anyone else. He's going to jail. And put the race card back in your deck. You may need it someday. With what O.J. and Ray Lewis got away with you would think no one would be stupid enough to bring up the guy's color. And what color are the victims?

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Hey scalaid, ever been to a M.A.D.D. meeting?

I have an idea...how about reading EVERYTHING someone types before you get race card happy.
Whats sad, is that yes, i happen to be white, and shockingly, yes, ive also stood up for Vick, Bonds, and also denounced Clemens perhaps applying a little race card ology to his cause, even though hes a total goon and should be treated EXACTLY like Bonds.

My point is that this guy didnt just think to himself "sweet, i CANT wait to get behind the wheel and kill someone, yes!"

He was going home, just like THOUSANDS of others do when they leave clubs or bars at 2 or 3 in the morning. Thousands, black, white, latino, thousands of people. He killed someone. Im almost POSITIVE it was his last intention. This doesnt mean hes not guilty, but thats not the point, its done, he cant take it back. Now, like Vick, like ANY person who commits a crime, intentional or unintentional, it will be what he does after the fact. Will this man apologize to these people hes harmed through thoughtless action? Or will he try to save himself in court, and not atone? Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a nationwide chapter that is supported by women who have lost children, husbands, to this terrible situation, and they can somehow forgive, at the same time choosing to educate. Isnt that what its about? To be human is to err. But its also in our nature to forgive, and seek redemption for our trangressions.

All im saying is i feel bad for everyone involved, and i only hope that Leyritz has enough decency to try and make amends.

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THIS IS NOT ABOUT BLACK OR WHITE. THIS GUY BROKE THE LAW LIKE SO MANY OTHERS AND HE SHOULD HAVE HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE LIKE ANYONE ELSE.

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Black, White Green or orange....He is going to pay dearly and it was an accident...not planed but could have been prevented by not drinking and driving...most of you out there could have done this also at one point ....God bless the victims...I know...I am one.

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The only racist person here are the ones who take any story and feel the need to throw out the race card!! How does a story about drunk driving and heartache for all involved turn racist? I dont get it!!

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Phil, you're wrong, Jim Leyritz deserved to be punished. His driving drunk is the same as if he had gotten a gun and shot that kid's mother dead. It's as bad if he were a terrorists in Iraq and had strapped a bomb to himself and blown up the woman. I'm hoping your're worng for America's sake. Lt's hope that some guy who wants to drive drunk on New Year's Eve will read this story and blog. Before he gets drunk behind the wheel will remember this story and decide not to have one too many. If he does, then at least he'll call a cab to take him home. I'm hoping that a lot of people will take notice to this. And yes, if you're white and not mad at Leyritz then shame on you. A killer is a killer no matter what skin color they are.

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A car like a gun is a dangerous weapon when used improperly. He killed an innocent person and should have known better than drive under the influence and should be punished the same as someone who accidently fires a gun and kills someone. A person in his position should know better and could afford to take a cab or use a DD, now he must pay the consequence.

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Jamiep24, what exactly did ray Lewis get away with. That comment is getting old. Ray Lewis was never charged with anything other than obstruction of justice. His case was a prime example of "rush to judgement". The DA thought they had a high profile athlete to nail to a cross and didn't take the time to investigate.

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Clayton Dude, when I celebrate I don't get drunk. I usually only have one drink. Two should really be the limit for anyone. It's not wrong to drink as it helps you unwind. Anymore than that and you've got a problem. It's trying to escape reality. It's not wrong to drink according to the bible. However, it is a sin to get drunk. If I have to translate it to you, that means that you shouldn't have more than two drinks. Do you know how obnixious drunk people are? They think they own the world. That was the mindset of Leyritz when he got behind the wheel and smashed into that woman's car. I used to like Leyritz as I'm a big New York Yankee fan. I don't like the guy anymore. He knew right from wrong before he had one too many and got behind the wheel.

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CANT WE ALL JUST PLEASE GET ALONG?....(cricket sounds)....(pity clap)......DAMN I GUESS NOT!

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Phil, you have been marinated in the racist vat too long !!

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The only tragedy here is that someone lost a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a coworker, et cetera. Black, white, latino, asian - - a senseless death, any death is colorblind. I grew up loving the Yankees, looking up to Jim Leyritz, and thinking of him as one of the good ole boys. It doesn't make what he did any less wrong or tragic. No matter what the result for Leyritz, the victim has no say in this. She is dead. No one can change that. Jim Leyritz will probably lose his license, pay a fine, and do some community service. He'll pay a boat load in attorney's fees fighting jailtime and a wrongful death suit. The bottom line is that he has an ultimate say in his fate (hiring an attorney to fight for him) and the victim did not. I do not doubt that he won't go a single day without being touched by guilt but that is nothing compared to what he has done to the victim, her family, her friends as well as his family - - his wife, children, parents. It could have been prevented. One thing I took from high school was never to drink and drive, never. That lesson is taught to everyone; black, white, man, woman, human. The driver's life in this tragedy will forever be changed but at least he has his life.

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