CNN's Cafferty pleads guilty to hit-run in New York

[Judi Lynn]

< The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 8/6/03 >

CNN's Cafferty pleads guilty to hit-run in New York

By KAREN FREFIELD
Newsday


NEW YORK -- Like most journalists, CNN morning anchor Jack Cafferty would prefer to cover news than make it.

Especially when it's bad news.

But Tuesday, Cafferty was the story, being met by photographers as he entered a midtown court to plead guilty in a May 14 hit-and-run accident. According to the criminal complaint, Cafferty was made an abrupt turn and hit bicyclist Billy Maldonado.

About five people tried to stop Cafferty by running after the car, according to the complaint, but the newsman continued through at least two red lights, while dragging the bicycle underneath the vehicle. Maldonado, 48, who was knocked to the ground, suffered bruises and some bone damage. (snip/...)

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/0803/06cafferty.html


Here he is, folks. Someone got a rope?

[annagull]

1. DOES he have a glass of scotch in that coffee mug??

couldn't have happened to a nicer scumbag. He should thank his lucky stars the guy didn't die. Typical from the "personal responsibility" crowd.

edit for spelling irresponsibility

[IndianaGreen]

22. He is a scumbag

and a smug one at that!

CNN should fire him!

[tkmorris]

2. Vulgarity alert

Well excuse my fucking French but you can just TELL this guy is an asshole. This is the first I've heard of this incident but that in itself is a good indication of what CNN's priorities are. He dragged the freakin bike for two blocks through two red lights? String this bastard up.

[salin]

21. yes... but he claims

he saw the cyclist get up from the ground - but he didn't know HE had hit the cyclist... indeed he didn't know he had been in an accident...

So what was that sound of the bike being drug through several stop lights?

I don't know about you, but if even a stick gets stuck under my car, I can hear it. Can't imagine the sound of a bike.

I hope Mr. Maldanado can sue for damages and medical bills.

[tedoll78]

3. YES!!!

YES YES YES!

I did NOT like that man. Very much an ass reciting the Chimp's party line.

Who's next?

[liberalnurse]

4. Isn't he still on the air?

This is the first I heard of the incident. It is awful!!!!!

[unfrigginreal]

5. Convict News Network...

I hope the bastard gets jail time! Couldn't happen to a nicer GOP shill.

[w4rma]

6. He got off with practically nothing

...
Cafferty was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, assault and harassment. He was allowed to plead guilty to a traffic violation: Operating a motor vehicle knowing or having cause to know property damage had been caused. He was sentenced to 70 hours of community service, with six months to complete it, and a $250 fine. He also made restitution.

Cafferty had no comment Tuesday but the criminal complaint said Cafferty told police he saw the bicyclist get off the ground but didn't realize he had hit him. "I am unaware I was in an accident," he said.

Attorney Suzanne Holzberg, who represents Maldonado, expressed disappointment over the proceedings. "I think he got off pretty easy," she said. Maldonado, she said, still needs an operation on his right elbow.

[joanski01]

10. Cafferty said he was unaware that

he had been in an accident? What a lying scumbag. How can you drag a bicycle for two blocks and not know it. I've hated him since he first appeared on that stupid morning show. I never watch it anymore.

[hang a left]

25. and if he didn't know

was he running red lights.

[Maccagirl]

7. It was Clinton's fault

All three of 'em!


:evilgrin"

[0007]

8. Didn't Tony Snow of Fox News

have something like this? What is it with these whore network guys?

[wndycty]

16. It was Shep Smith. . .

. . .his mugshot is at the Smoking Gun.

[newyorican]

23. LOL

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/index.html#theLinks

[onehandle]

9. Jail please....

At least fire his over rated ass.

[Flubadubya]

11. Made slight, passing reference to it this morning.

On his segment this a.m. he made some passing comment about some "little" incident yesterday, but did not say anymore about it. And, of course, his little chicky co-anchor certainly did not question him about it... she just giggled nervously and they went on.

Later they played an outtake of Bill Maher defending Gray Davis (and quite effectively I might add). Afterward, the pompous old windbag made some condescending grimaces, grunted, and said that he would not comment on that, looked disgusted and moved on.

This old hypocrite needs to trot on over to Fox where he would be most gracioiusly welcomed, I'm sure. They really should keep all the criminals in one place anyway. :puke:

[kskiska]

18. I caught the tail end of the show

and the very next segment was a promo about bad drivers, and a question about what distracts drivers. Why didn't they just ask Cafferty?

I remember this guy from waaaay back when he was a second/third stringer for local NYC news. Didn't like him then, either, and that was before he began voicing his opinions.

[Flubadubya]

12. Crazy comment from this dude just now on CNN...

"If defense contractors didn't overcharge the government, the army would still be running around with bows and arrows."

I have no idea what that was supposed to mean. They really shouldn't let him back on the air until he gets some therapy. Argghh!!!

[glarius]

13. The hypocrite is so quick to jump all over anyone who's in trouble with

his sarcastic remarks...He always comes across as if he considers himself morally superior...the phony!!!! :puke:

[CO Liberal]

14. I Didn't Like Cafferty When He Was an Anchor on WNBC-TV in NYC

I like him even less now.

[Jacobin]

15. Which wrist was slapped?

Which Federalist Judge gave him an award for running over a bicyclist?

[buff2]

17. I never could stomach that creep

He is such a partisan bu$h suck-up. I think it's wrong for these pundits to show their bias. It's gotten so bad I can't watch anything anymore. :puke:

[NNN0LHI]

19. Can some DUer in New York please get us Cafferty's mug shot?

He had to be booked if this made it to court. The photo should be public information. If they refuse to release it that would be a story in itself.

Don

[goforit]

20. OMG!!!..I never knew this!!...What a Primadonna!!!

These people have such a disregard for life!!

They have no conscience!!!


We really need to clean up this country!!!

[Trajan]

24. THAT arrogant slimeball ....

Deserves the FULL MEASURE of the law, and should be sentenced to the fullest extent allowed, as a warning to OTHER Rush Limbaugh wannabes who think they are above the law .....

The fucking NOIVE !

[tom_paine]

26. Typical Repug.

I'm sure he just though he hit a lamppost.

:puke: :puke: :puke:

(not that Repugs are alone in performing "hit-and-runs" they are just more likely to, I think, because they don't really consider most people human beings unless they loook, act, talk, and think like them)

(sadly enough, hate breeds hate, and I no longer consider the Busheviks humans either)