Jury Duty. Just the mere mention of it can bring dread to every American citizen who is called to service. Even though it's an important part of our justice system, NBA legend Ray Allen got himself into some trouble for skipping a trail that he was supposed to be a juror on.
The 10-time All-Star was selected to be a juror for a federal trial that involved a deadly carjacking case in Miami. The trial was scheduled for March 14, but that caused an issue for Allen, who had to make it to Boston to attend Kevin Garnett's jersey retirement ceremony the day before, where he eventually patched things up publically with Garnett. The two were seen on the court hugging and embracing, ending a 10-year feud that stemmed from Allen signing with the rival Miami Heat.
Allen pleaded with U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke to push back the trial to March 15 so he would have enough time to make it back to court. Cooke did just that however, Allen failed to appear in court as scheduled despite multiple attempts at contacting him.
Cooke issued Allen an order to show cause and proceeded with the trial, in which the defendant was found guilty on Tuesday.
via the Miami Herald:
“Mr. Allen’s actions in failing to appear for jury duty are both baffling and disconcerting,” Cooke wrote in her show-cause order.
“Through his actions in failing to appear for jury duty, Mr. Allen appears to not appreciate or understand the importance of jury service. The right to a trial by jury is sacrosanct,” Cooke wrote. “However, the right to trial by jury can only be preserved if those who are chosen to serve on a jury actually fulfill their obligation to serve.”
Allen appeared in court a day after, along with his wife and kids to explain his reason for his no-show. According to Allen's attorney William McCue, the whole situation was "a complete misunderstanding" and the Hall of Famer had no intention of disrespecting the judicial process.
That didn't seem to phase Cooke who scolded Allen for disrespecting the court and his fellow jurors, saying “no man or woman is above performing that civic duty.” She eventually ordered Allen to pay a $1,000 fine to a charity of his choice.
Allen told the Herald that the money would go towards diabetes research.
Although the fine is not going to hurt Allen's pockets in the slightest, at least the money he was fine will go to a good cause that hits close to home with the two-time NBA champs son having type 1 diabetes.
Related
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram