Former Astros pitcher says police beating ended career
Former Astros pitcher Brandon Backe is seeking up to $15 million from Galveston police, alleging they prematurely ended his career. (Ronald Martinez/Getty)
Former Houston Astros pitcher Brandon Backe is seeking up to $15 million in a lawsuit against Galveston police, alleging he was brutally beaten in an incident in October 2008.
Backe and 11 others say that police burst into a wedding party at an outdoor bar and beat the guests, including Backe, who sustained a broken nose and an injury to his shoulder that would require surgery. Backe testified in federal court Tuesday that he can no longer use his arm to perform simple tasks like tucking in his shirt or buckling a seatbelt. After the incident, he threw just 13 innings in the majors.
