Hey Mike - I'm actually a professional affiliate of Goodmans. Don't know where you're getting your "truths" but they're off. I've seen the actual documents and sat through meetings on the trust - there are multiple clauses and contingencies which prevent Ms. Hutchins from accessing the majority of the funds in the trust and the objective was to implement her in a managerial capacity to oversee the assets in the trust in the event Goodman could not (as is the case at the present). None of this was done to conceal assets from the Wilson family whom have received $40 million + the single largest wrongful death suit settled by an individual in history, so do not really have much grounds for complaint regarding Goodman trying to screw them out of money... Incidentally, he wanted to give the Wilson's even more than what he received (everything he had at the time) following the accident, but they were convinced he could give them even more than that (which it was later legally determined he could not) so declined. The previous poster is correct in stating Goodman has far less money than the Wilson's now. In seeing the reporting on this case it is laughably biased. Only the so called 'facts' which lead to sensationalized stories which vilify Goodman are 'reported'. I've dealt with plenty of sleazy narcisstic rich men in my day and John Goodman is the antithesis of those men/how the media has portrayed him. It disturbs me how so many people claim they are looking at "just the facts" when they are in fact doing the exact opposite.
Mike - 12 years ago
jd, you have your version, I have the truth. When you wake up and realize that when jg adopted his girlfriend, that gave her access to that money, and if
he decides to marry her, he will have the same access. I know for a fact that he spent a lot on his lawyers to protect and hide as much money as they could before this went to trial. By adopting his girlfriend that allowed him to do just that. The trusts that he set up for his kids are part of what she has access to. Therefore he is not going to be begging for money when or if he ever gets out.
JD - 12 years ago
Mike - you're wrong. Goodman certainly does NOT have billions of dollars. He has multiple siblings AND if you look at the court papers which have been scrutinized regarding this civil case, the vast majority of the money was put in trusts allocated to grandchildren and great grandchildren. Goodman is worth a hell of a lot less than the Wilson's at the moment. Please don't pretend to be an expert on something you know absolutely nothing about. Thanks.
Mike - 12 years ago
Hey Jd, do your homework!! Goodman has more money then anybody will ever know! He did not just decide to give 40 million, that was the least amount of Money he could pay without going to civil court. He inherited BILLIONS from his dad,and you think that he is a poor man after agreeing to pay 40 million? Alittle common sense please?
JD - 12 years ago
Carrie, you're ignorant. Do your homework. Goodman settled with the Wilson family civilly for $40 million dollars - that's unprecedented/the record for a wrongful death suit settled by an individual. They are now worth far more than he is. I love people who feel the need to contribute their opinion without any knowledge of fact.
Carrie - 12 years ago
Makes me sick, all he cares about is protecting his money
Welly economy - 12 years ago
Mike, you just don't seem to get it. Goodman (and Goodman alone) owns IPC. If he has an extended sentence he will close IPC (why would he not, it's not a cash cow - its only there because he loves polo...if he's not around, no way is he going to eat the operating costs). There may still be low or mid goal polo (8/12/14/16 goal) at places like Boca/Port Mayaca etc but without IPC as a venue - no way to the 20 and 26 goal teams. Translation - polo in the capacity it is now leaves Wellington. Mike, the elite polo players are the professionals (I.e. many Argentine players and a few high goal Americal players) they are not the individuals with the big money. The people around Welly with the multi-million dollar homes own and fund the teams - they're called sponsors. Most sponsors (I.e. Teams like Coca Cola, Luchesse etc) aren't based out of Wellington - they come here Jan - April to play in the 20 & 26 goal tournaments at IPC. If IPC closes its doors (which it will if Goodman has a lengthy sentence) they may not immediately sell their properties - but they will not be coming here for the polo season. They will stay in CA/NY/WY/KY...wherever they are based. That's just a fact. This will, mark my words be devastating to the Wellington economy. Why now bring new business into the community? Because without the polo - it will fail. Ditto with the equestrian village - show jumping alone just doesn't have the volume of horses/individuals to sustain it. I'm just saying - wake up...I've been hearing rumblings of this for awhile - now its essentially becoming a reality. Just saying, careful what you wish for Wellington residents.
Mike - 12 years ago
Response to welly economy, I also can understand some of your views! As I have stated before, I know that there are other top elite polo players here in Wellington that are not going to leave there multi million dollar houses and farms just because Goodman is in prison. The IPc will still have their season and polo will go on. It's not that tight nit to wear other polo stars are going to throw their hands up and say, " it's all over now that John is in prison."I don't believe that Wellington will become a ghost town because of the Goodman going to prison, and I highly doubt my home value will drop any more because of him! I wonder if people in town will change their view on the new proposed Equestrian village now? If everyone is so concerned about our economy, why wouldn't we want bring in more business into our community? That is probably off the scope of this blog, but it makes me wonder?
Mike - 12 years ago
In response to the disagree, I am not a hateful person. I do not wish ill will twords anyone for no reason. Mr Goodman is probably a very good person and is good for the polo community. This case has gotten to much media coverage, but it would not have if he took responsibility for his actions and not draw this case out ad long as it has on the notions that he was not at fault, that the car surged or that he wasn't drunk or that he didn't know what he hit! He probably did have a concussion, but there was no one to confirm that. No MRI, no complaints at the hospital about it. It's a far reach in my mind to believe that he wasn't drunk, that his car malfunctioned and that he was going for a frosty! When you were in your collision, which I am sorry to hear, how long did it take to call 911? Maybe he didn't know what he hit, or that he pushed Wilsons car in the canal, but to wait almost an hour to call 911 and nit make that your first call, calling your girlfriend/daughter first, then your assistant, then wait another 15 mins to be convinced to call 911, in my mind is enough to charge him with rendering aid. If he didn't know what he hit, why did he say on the 911 tape that he didn't see the car coming, and that he been in a wreck? There is to much time not accounted for after the crash. I agree with some of your views, because I do have an open mind, but I don't believe you can compare this case to other DUI cases for the fact that the media coverage and the very peculiar circumstances that happened after the crash! He should be an advocate after atleast 15 to 20 years!
Disagree with you Mike - 12 years ago
Mike, your issues with Goodman come across as far more personally motivated than related to the accident we're discussing (i.e. discussing his character, adoptions etc etc.). If I were a DUI spokesperson I would find it personally insulting that many people are allowed on the roads with multiple DUI's. And that thousands of fatalities occur as a result of DUI every year and receive no media attention and/or having the perpetrator this hated by so many and yet we are throwing the book at this guy? I watched the testimony and couldn't disagree with you more about him seeming remorseful. When there is a public witch hunt like there was for Goodman can you blame him for reaching out to the best possible legal counsel. I personally cannot and I'd be willing to be 90% of the people on this board who are so against Goodman would contact the best counsel they could if they found themselves on the wrong side of the law. I don't think they proved failure to render aid - I don't think you can render aid to something you don't know was there (and the first few responders have confirmed that it looked like nothing was there). It is hard to reconcile not calling 911 first, but in watching this case it's my opinion that Goodman didn't feel urgency to call 911 because he honestly believed at first that he was the one that had been hit/had no idea there was someone else involved in the accident that needed help. Again, that seems counter to logic - but having been in a head on collision myself (in broad daylight with people around) I can personally attest to how completely disorienting it is. Compounded with it being pitch black and no one around and I can only imagine. To anyone with any knowledge of concussions – that is not preposterous either. They are near impossible to diagnose and again, in my personal (non-medical) opinion I find it very likely that he was concussed (in addition to the disorientation/confusion I think we can all agree would result in being in an accident of that magnitude). As several of the doctors in the case attested – Goodman displayed many of the signs of a concussion (and the ones he did not do not have to be present for a concussion to occur). I really don’t think the jury (or many of the public) understands the way our law system works because the defense did not have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Goodman did drink after the accident, had a concussion, or that the car malfunction – only establish reasonable doubt that it could have. I’m not advocating to let Goodman off completely – but many of these hateful reactions saying “give him the max!” seem based on personal hatred based on media slander. The media has reported a one sided story since the accident – this guy never had a shot in the court of public opinion.
Welly economy - 12 years ago
Mike I think you're misunderstanding the earlier blogger (or maybe I am?). I'm from the area and regrettably I think the earlier blogger is probably correct about IPC shutting its doors if Goodman gets a significant sentence. I don't believe the assertion is that people come IPC to see Goodman or see him play, but the fact of the matter is - he owns the club. Polo is a close knit community and if Goodman closes the doors to IPC all those huge money 20 and 26 goal teams are not going to stick around/keep coming here. Will there still be some lower goal polo - sure, but Sunday Polo/all the serious revenue generating teams - no. The immediate loss of jobs for club employees, grooms, staff for those teams/families will be minimal compared to the hit to local businesses, property value and horse related industries (the sheer # of horses involved in polo - 15+ per player vs. the 1 -2 horses per show jumper will devastate farriers etc. etc.). This isn't speculation and I have no vested interest as some previous bloggers, but looking at this completely objectively and as an econ major having studied this sort of thing the facts do all seem to point in this direction. Now look, am I saying we say "lets pretend this never happened for the sake of our economy?" Absolutely not. A young mans life was lost and for that there needs to be consequences. However, at the risk of sounding callous (and I in no way want to underscore this tragedy/loss) thousands of vehicular fatalities occur each year (many as the result of DUI) and those families receive no compensation and there is no media attention. Do I think Goodman should do a few years - sure. But he's not a violent criminal and given the amount of good he can do and the fact that he's not a threat to the community in any way (permanent loss of license for sure) I don't see the benefit to locking him up for an extended period of time. And do I worry about the economy/housing values etc. if that were to happen...I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But trying to separate that from the facts I just think the max seems undue punishment given the number of violent crimes occurring out there and individuals who are repeat offenders our community would be safer without if they were locked up.
Mike - 12 years ago
When you say that " it has been decided that the IPC will shut it's doors" , who made that decision? Is goodman the only Polo star that contributes to polo? I highly doubt that you are an expert on how the economy in our town will be affected if he goes to prison. You are making assumptions based on the lack of knowledge of our town! I believe that he should get close to the maximum! Yes he does have to live with " the day to day torture" but that shouldn't mean he should get a light sentence like house arrest or probation!! Are you kidding me??!! He showed no remorse at all. Regardless of his staged testimony, he knows what he hit that night, and I highly doubt he was on his way For a frosty! There are lots of situations in his past that we were not able to hear in court that would show him for who he really is. I don't believe that giving him house arrest and making him do community service is enough! What so he can sit in his mansion, watch polo at his Sunday brunch service? Do you really think he would pick up trash on the side of the road for community service? I would take it as an insult If he was a spokesman for DUI. What would he preach? How to get the best lawyers, lie in court, or try to buy your way out of responsibility? What a crock of ####!! He needs to do atleast 20 !! If he had just got into the accident, but didn't leave, or atleast called 911 before his girlfriend/ daughter, or Carlos, and then waited 20 mins or so to decide to call 911, I would feel differently. Or if he showed some remorse I'm court, but he did not!
Two wrongs do not make a right - 12 years ago
I agree with "An Eye for an Eye Leaves the Whole World Blind" !!!
I have a child the same age as Scott Wilson, God Forbid something happened to her in an ACCIDENT I would not get any satisfaction seeing the other person involved in the ACCIDENT put away behind bars, especially if he does not have any prior convictions. He is already living in a day to day torture, anyone that has been involved in an accident that has a death involed will always live with the pain whether it is their fault or not. I agree with house arrest, permanent loss of license, years of parole, some community service and a life dedicated to raising awareness about DUI/reckless driving and perhaps setting up a service to provide rides to drivers who should not be on the roads.
The Wilson family, Judge, and the prosecuters need to pray about this and put their anger aside, yes it's a painful tragedy but hate and anger is not the answer, Mr. Goodman did not perform a premediatated crime to intentially hurt someone there are so many violent criminals that deserve to be kept behind bars because they are at danger to society, Mr. Goodman is not a dangerous man . Please keep in mind the children he has, why hurt more people? Please think of the children, they need their dad. Taking their dad away is not going to bring Scott Wilson back, its not going to heal the parents heart, but two wrongs will not make a right.
I do not personally know Mr. Goodman nor am I getting paid for this as people may think about about anyone that has a realistic opinion, I just don't see what we all gain from keeping someone behind bars that can do so much more for the community and the cause.
An Eye for an Eye Leaves the Whole World Blind. - 12 years ago
Nonviolent criminal. No priors. Paid the family $40 million civilly (which they accepted). Being publicly lambasted and made an example of by the media based on wealth/misguided notions about the kind of person people want to think he is.
I propose absolute minimum sentence, permanent loss of license, years of parole, some community service and a life dedicated to raising awareness about DUI/reckless driving and perhaps setting up a service to provide rides to drivers who should not be on the roads.
Don't let Scott Wilson die in vain by letting this man rot in jail.
Disagree with you Mike - 12 years ago
IPC will shut down if Goodman goes away for more than 10years. Fact. That's been decided on. As to John Wash running the club - you're right in that I know a thing or two about polo and Wellington and that man runs nothing. His days are probably numbered. I dont think the trial was fair - I think vehicular manslaughter would have been a tilting charge. A promising young life was tragically cut short and for that there needs to be one time. But 30 years is beyond excessive.
Mike - 12 years ago
In response to your Comment, do you really believe that Goodman is involved in day to day operations at the IPC? Mr Walsh has been running polo for years. Polo was here years before IPC. I highly doubt that the IPC will close their doors because Goodman is in prison. I am sure that his girlfriend/ adopted daughter has some sort of financial say in what goes on there! I have lived in Wellington for many years and would agree that polo contributes a big part to our economy along with show jumping, but I don't believe that polo will not be here just because Goodman is in prison. As far as a fair trial, he did get a fair trial! The facts and the evidence would have been the same no matter where the trial was. I believe he should do the full time. If it was me or you in his shoes we would get the same time! You clearly don't know what your talking about because it's obvious that you are biased twords Goodman or Polo! I am a year round resident and I know how polo affects our economy. IPC won't close it's doors. Goodman has the finances and the people to keep it running! Polo doesn't come to Wellington for John Goodman! They come to Wellington for the stage of good comptetion that Goodman help put together! It may have not been a violent crime, but he made that decision to get behind the wheel knowing that he had alcohol and drugs in his system. He killed a young man for a frosty?? And you believe he shouldn't do time because he is John Goodman, millionaire, IPC founder. You are clearly out of your mind!!
Agree - 12 years ago
Well spoken "Minimum sentence = maximum benefit for all"....I agree fully.
Disagree with you Mike - 12 years ago
I don't think the time fits the crime. Goodman didn't (couldn't) possibly have gotten a fair trial in Palm Beach with all this media exposure. A life was tragically lost - there is no way around that. But given the number of drivers who repeatedly get DUI's and are released onto the roads - to give 15-30 years to a man who has never had so much as a speeding ticket, will never drive again (I do suggest permanently revoking his license) and is not convicted of a violent crime or a threat to our community is a sick miscarriage of justice.
@Mike....your sorely mistake . When the doors close to the International Polo Club, polo leaves Wellington. At least on the elite level it is now that draws in the worlds best and teams which furnish the Wellington economy. Show jumping will remain, not polo...you clearly haven't done your homework/don't know what you're talking about.
Mike - 12 years ago
It amazes me how many people are Defending Goodman! I am sure that the people who are, know him in someway to where they benefit from him! The bottom line is that if it was your child who's life was taken by his selfish decision to drink and drive, you all would be doing the same thing. Regardless if he had 4 drinks or 12 drinks, he killed someone! The notion that if he got the maximum sentence, that Wellington would no longer be an elite polo destination and that our property values would go down is ludicrous! There are a lot of rich horse people who have been coming here and will keep coming here for years to come, Wether Goodman is here or not! Polo is not the only equestrian sport in town! If you do the crime, you do the time!!
Mike - 12 years ago
It amazes me how many people are Defending Goodman! I am sure that the people who are, know him in someway to where they benefit from him! The bottom line is that if it was your child who's life was taken by his selfish decision to drink and drive, you all would be doing the same thing. Regardless if he had 4 drinks or 12 drinks, he killed someone! The notion that if he got the maximum sentence, that Wellington would no longer be an elite polo destination and that our property values would go down is ludicrous! There are a lot of rich horse people who have been coming here and will keep coming here for years to come, Wether Goodman is here or not! Polo is not the only equestrian sport in town! If you do the crime, you do the time!!
mary - 12 years ago
I think based on the facts and the issue that he does not a prior conviction before the accident, 11.5 years...he might be out in 9, but that's punishment enough for him. I don't know, therefore I can't judge if he's a good or bad, nor I am God to judge anyone. ...he's the final judge, but I do believe he's guilty and he should paid for he's done. I have nothing against him personally, and a lot the people support him because he has a powerful man, and but no one is above the law and he should be given a just sentence.
Minimum sentence = maximum benefit for all - 12 years ago
No one can accuse Goodman of not being a job creator. That's pure fiction. If we lock Goodman up for 30 years I think that will become all too evident. Polo brings millions upon millions of dollars into Wellington - if he's locked up for a decade + the club will close and that will go away. The ripple effect from that will be devastating. Housing prices will crash, local businesses will fail - and you'll be eating your words about job creation.
But again, this shouldn't be about $ - the Wilson's keep saying that only after they accepted $40 million in a civil suit from Goodman. Give the man a very very minimal sentence (he has no priors has never even had a speeding ticket!) is non-violent/in no conceivable way a threat to the community and will never drive again (he's been alcohol/drug tested constantly since the accident so no one can say he's engaging in those activities) enforce probation/permanent loss of license/thousands of hours of community service (participation in some program raising awareness/to be of benefit to the community). Frankly its a monumental waste of tax dollars to lock this guy up when instead he could do so much good.
I hope the Wilson's move towards "healing" by accepting that this has been settled civilly $40 million times over - they are now the rich ones and Goodman now has a fraction of what they have. Letting go of this hate for Goodman and forcing him instead to do something of benefit instead of rot in jail seems to me to the right thing to do to move towards healing. Dont let Scott die in vain, let his memory live on through some positive program Goodman has to do. That to me seems more like justice.
Nellaroo - 12 years ago
This case proves one thing; the wealthy aren't necessarily the job creators republicans proclaim. Had John Goodman hired a driver when he desired to go out drinking, this tragedy would have never occurred. If you drink, get a driver or stay home. Goodman demonstrated his selfishness many times over by getting behind the wheel while drunk, leaving the scene and attempting to avoid the blame for his terrible lack of judgement.
He is responsible for killing Scott Wilson and should serve somewhere above the minimum sentence. I hope he appreciates the accommodations in the Florida prison system.
nick - 12 years ago
I think he should rot in prison...why do all the white people always get away with things like this..look at the guy that shoot the black kid ..free...casey ant. Killed her kid...free now this pony ridding rich guy wants to kill a young teen and walk...what kind of justice is that. Send his butt to prison...
"Justice"? - 12 years ago
An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind....
I urge anyone even attempting to invoke God/religion in this take a good look at the the values advocated in the Bible and any ethics course. Give Goodman the lightest possible sentence and mandate him to dedicate his time to a cause of benefit. Otherwise Scott Wilson died in vain.
Angie - 12 years ago
I agree with the few supporters that are brave enough to express themselves among all the haters. I think the public and the jurors completely ignored the facts and the evidence in this case. He did NOT have that many drinks at the bar that night. Witnesses and evidence confirm that but that was completely ignored. It was a terrible accident. It's such a shame that Scott Wilson lost his life at no error of his own...but it was still an accident and having another person 'lose his life' does not help matters.
How could he not leave the scene? He came to and didn't see another car - didn't have an operable phone and didn't see anyone else around. He had to go look for a phone. Who would just sit there in the middle of the night and hope & just wait for someone to show up?? Things would have been a lot different if only his phone battery wasn't dead. He could have stayed at the scene and made the call.
I personally do not know John Goodman but I know people who do. From all that I've heard, I believe that he's a good human being and I don't think that he would ever intentionally leave someone to die. He simply did not know that the other car was in the canal.
It seems that everyone wants to convict him because of his wealth. This poor man was convicted before the trial ever even began.
Frank - 12 years ago
@Matt....AGREE 100%
Matt - 12 years ago
The Palm Beach Post has continually provided the most biased and vitriolic coverage of this case. The fact that Mr. Goodman is wealthy (actually *was* wealthy, now that he has paid the Wilsons millions and millions of dollars) should have nothing to do with the facts of the circumstances and judgement of the accident - but the PBP has made his wealth their major factor in determining his guilt and punishment - and has encouraged others to do the same.
If he were John Dow, average guy, there is no way this case would have merited the hateful, bitter and acrimonious coverage we have all been subject to over the past two years.
This accident was a tragedy in all respects, but ignoring the facts and rushing to judgement based on legally irrelevant bias only extends the tragedy.
and justice for all - 12 years ago
@McMayor -(This was not a routine DUI manslaughter. Here the driver left the scene and let the innocent victim drown to death in canal water. He left him to die alone in the dark. He deserves no sympathy from anyone.) I disagree with you.
It was pitch black, he had just been in a horrible accident, he was dazed , injured, and did not see another car...if you listen to the first two 911 callers--they were walking around the area...giving the plate # to 911 and both callers said they did NOT see another car. His phone was dead. He left the scene of the accident to get help. He knew he was in an accident but didn't know what happened. HE DID NOT SEE ANOTHER CAR.
Why didn't the police go in the canal and try to save the boy? How did they KNOW he was dead? They were at the scene at the time the 2nd 011 call came in...the men that called 911 were told NOT to go into the water by 911.
Above all the PBSO dept at the scene should be arrested for criminal negligence for not attempting to rescue Scott Walker. Maybe he could have been saved! He had a survivable injuries.
@You all are sick -(No remorse? BS! I know the guy and watched the testimony - this will haunt him for the rest of his life. He's paid ten of millions of dollars to the Wilson's in the civil suit and done wonders for the community. You are hateful misers and I hope karma comes to bite you all in your miserable butts.) I agree with you.
This was an accident. Where is the evidence of this coverup... that everyone lied for John Goodman. He was not proven to be drunk. The jury did not understand the facts. The state's own expert testified Goodman would have a blood-alcohol level of .05 percent based on four drinks at the time of the accident. Goodman's blood-alcohol was measured at .177 percent at 4 a.m., three hours after crash. Goodman would have to drink 20 drinks in the hour and 15 minutes at the Players Club to reach that blood-alcohol level..The state didn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Goodman was intoxicated enough to constitute a crime at the time of the crash. The jury is giving in to sensationalism. I have complete sympathy. This was a horrible accident, but this is not a crime."
McMayor - 12 years ago
This was not a routine DUI manslaughter. Here the driver left the scene and let the innocent victim drown to death in canal water. He left him to die alone in the dark. He deserves no sympathy from anyone.
Bob - 12 years ago
If he had taken responsibility for the wreck and the loss of life, I would agree to entertain the notion of a mitigated jail sentence. He lied under oath, had his friends lie, he tried to make a mockery of the court, for these actions he deserves the max.
Jay - 12 years ago
He could not have saved Scott. No one could, and I believe he never saw the car in the canal. Sentence him to the 11.5 years, out in 9.
You all are sick - 12 years ago
No remorse? BS! I know the guy and watched the testimony - this will haunt him for the rest of his life. He's paid ten of millions of dollars to the Wilson's in the civil suit and done wonders for the community. You are hateful misers and I hope karma comes to bite you all in your miserable butts. God bless you John Goodman!
Jane - 12 years ago
Roy Black= I used to have respect for him.
epm - 12 years ago
A loss of two lives ... innocent victim Scott Wilson and drunk driver John Goodman. Hopefully the good in this is the noteriaty of the trial that will prevent other drunks from driving and even perhaps giving up drinking completely. I for one did based on a similar case in WPB several years ago. Congratulations to the prosecutor and shame on Mr. Black for an arrogant attempt at making fools of the jurors. Sympathies to the Wilsons for their loss of Scott and to John Goodman for a series of terrible mistakes.
Carol J Weeks - 12 years ago
I think he should rot in jail. My prayers go out to the Wilson's family.
MC - 12 years ago
To Florida criminal defense attorney: How many months/years would Goodman have to serve before his release date and/or being eligible for parole? A couple of decades ago or so a person who was sentenced to Texas state prison had to serve only one month for every year he or she was sentenced. So, a 30 year sentence meant a convict would be released (as opposed to be eligible for parole) after serving only 30 months. Now that law has changed dramatically --- for obvious reasons --- and the minimum is much great than 1 month for every year.
John in Delray - 12 years ago
John Goodman is simultaneously extremely wealthy and utterly worthless.
BARRY - 12 years ago
THIS BASTARD SHOULD GET THE MAXIUM OF AT LEAST 25 YEARS.. THAT YOUNG MAN IS DEAD "A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH" MY WIFE IS AN ATTORNEY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY AND JUST SAID TO ME " WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND" THE YOUNG MAN HAD AT LEAST 60 YEARS OF LIFE LEFT IF HE WAS NOT KILLED BY THIS DRUNK ..
DRIVER
MONEY SHOULD NOT GET YOU OFF RESPONSABILITY FOR KILLING THIS YOUNG 20 YEAR OLD..
GOD WOULD NOT LET THIS GO UNPUNISHED-- THANK YOU MIGHTY
Tony - 12 years ago
Give him the max. To blatantly lie and let that young man "drown", unreal! An eye for an eye Mr. Goodman!
John - 12 years ago
Public defender could have done better than Shapiro and Black. What a waste of money. Prayers to Scott's family.
Michael Diaz - 12 years ago
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Michael Diaz - 12 years ago
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Michael Diaz - 12 years ago
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Bill - 12 years ago
Maybe his lawyers should serve his time with him since they took his money and lied in court. Maybe he will adopt his new girlfriend.
DAH - 12 years ago
I watched Goodman's testifying; unbelievable. Who could possibly
believe any thing he said; nothing connected, made sense.
He remembered, could not recall, etc. How many friends were
approached and hedged on time, number of drinks, etc. Goodman
deserves the maximum with time off after a long time to reflect
on his extremely poor judgement. Prayers for the victim's family.
Robovj - 12 years ago
His defense at the trial showed he had no remorse for the death he caused, only that he was trying to save his own hide. He should have opened his checkbook to the poor parents of the boy he killed. Them pled guilty to a lesser charge and agree to go to prison for several years . At least 5. That would have been the right strategy. Instead he hired a super lawyer and tried to get off completely by proposing a bizzare set of facts that were totally lacking in credibility. So instead of losing 5 years, he is going to get at least 20 and probaly more. He deserves it for being so selfish and unrepentant. Bye bye John. See how all your money is going to help you now.
Lisa - 12 years ago
All actions taken by him up to the point of the trial shows that he was not willing to pay for his actions. A sentence is a sentence. Giving him leniency is a message that you can commit a crime and still get off with a kiss on the cheek. Max sentence for him!,,
concerned citizen - 12 years ago
he is a selfish person who made a lot of bad decisions that night....he should be punished severely and used as an example to the other athletes and celebrities who think they can act with impunity
concerned citizen - 12 years ago
he is a selfish person who made a lot of bad decisions that night....he should be punished severely and used as an example to the other athletes and celebrities who think they can act with impunity
Jeremy Jacobs - 12 years ago
I hope he is out soon since he helped me buy the Wellington Council.
Policeman - 12 years ago
Im glad to see a conviction. Money cant buy freedom which was the lesson learned here. Do I think he should serve max sentence, no; but a 10-15 year stent will suffice.
Dan - 12 years ago
He made a reckless mistake & will pay the price. I dont think it's worth the max - many multiple offense criminals do less time for violent crimes
Mike - 12 years ago
I hope he finds his new MAN CAVE adequately equipped with alcohol, because he's in for some real pain.
Rob3 - 12 years ago
He fled the scene of an accident he caused and could have saved the life of the victim if he hadn't been so drunk and selfish. Max the Rich Polo boy
Bill - 12 years ago
Callous behavior deserves it
Myles mooney - 12 years ago
He should of pleaded guilty. Take his responsibly. He thought his money would buy him out of this.
Hey Mike - I'm actually a professional affiliate of Goodmans. Don't know where you're getting your "truths" but they're off. I've seen the actual documents and sat through meetings on the trust - there are multiple clauses and contingencies which prevent Ms. Hutchins from accessing the majority of the funds in the trust and the objective was to implement her in a managerial capacity to oversee the assets in the trust in the event Goodman could not (as is the case at the present). None of this was done to conceal assets from the Wilson family whom have received $40 million + the single largest wrongful death suit settled by an individual in history, so do not really have much grounds for complaint regarding Goodman trying to screw them out of money... Incidentally, he wanted to give the Wilson's even more than what he received (everything he had at the time) following the accident, but they were convinced he could give them even more than that (which it was later legally determined he could not) so declined. The previous poster is correct in stating Goodman has far less money than the Wilson's now. In seeing the reporting on this case it is laughably biased. Only the so called 'facts' which lead to sensationalized stories which vilify Goodman are 'reported'. I've dealt with plenty of sleazy narcisstic rich men in my day and John Goodman is the antithesis of those men/how the media has portrayed him. It disturbs me how so many people claim they are looking at "just the facts" when they are in fact doing the exact opposite.
jd, you have your version, I have the truth. When you wake up and realize that when jg adopted his girlfriend, that gave her access to that money, and if
he decides to marry her, he will have the same access. I know for a fact that he spent a lot on his lawyers to protect and hide as much money as they could before this went to trial. By adopting his girlfriend that allowed him to do just that. The trusts that he set up for his kids are part of what she has access to. Therefore he is not going to be begging for money when or if he ever gets out.
Mike - you're wrong. Goodman certainly does NOT have billions of dollars. He has multiple siblings AND if you look at the court papers which have been scrutinized regarding this civil case, the vast majority of the money was put in trusts allocated to grandchildren and great grandchildren. Goodman is worth a hell of a lot less than the Wilson's at the moment. Please don't pretend to be an expert on something you know absolutely nothing about. Thanks.
Hey Jd, do your homework!! Goodman has more money then anybody will ever know! He did not just decide to give 40 million, that was the least amount of Money he could pay without going to civil court. He inherited BILLIONS from his dad,and you think that he is a poor man after agreeing to pay 40 million? Alittle common sense please?
Carrie, you're ignorant. Do your homework. Goodman settled with the Wilson family civilly for $40 million dollars - that's unprecedented/the record for a wrongful death suit settled by an individual. They are now worth far more than he is. I love people who feel the need to contribute their opinion without any knowledge of fact.
Makes me sick, all he cares about is protecting his money
Mike, you just don't seem to get it. Goodman (and Goodman alone) owns IPC. If he has an extended sentence he will close IPC (why would he not, it's not a cash cow - its only there because he loves polo...if he's not around, no way is he going to eat the operating costs). There may still be low or mid goal polo (8/12/14/16 goal) at places like Boca/Port Mayaca etc but without IPC as a venue - no way to the 20 and 26 goal teams. Translation - polo in the capacity it is now leaves Wellington. Mike, the elite polo players are the professionals (I.e. many Argentine players and a few high goal Americal players) they are not the individuals with the big money. The people around Welly with the multi-million dollar homes own and fund the teams - they're called sponsors. Most sponsors (I.e. Teams like Coca Cola, Luchesse etc) aren't based out of Wellington - they come here Jan - April to play in the 20 & 26 goal tournaments at IPC. If IPC closes its doors (which it will if Goodman has a lengthy sentence) they may not immediately sell their properties - but they will not be coming here for the polo season. They will stay in CA/NY/WY/KY...wherever they are based. That's just a fact. This will, mark my words be devastating to the Wellington economy. Why now bring new business into the community? Because without the polo - it will fail. Ditto with the equestrian village - show jumping alone just doesn't have the volume of horses/individuals to sustain it. I'm just saying - wake up...I've been hearing rumblings of this for awhile - now its essentially becoming a reality. Just saying, careful what you wish for Wellington residents.
Response to welly economy, I also can understand some of your views! As I have stated before, I know that there are other top elite polo players here in Wellington that are not going to leave there multi million dollar houses and farms just because Goodman is in prison. The IPc will still have their season and polo will go on. It's not that tight nit to wear other polo stars are going to throw their hands up and say, " it's all over now that John is in prison."I don't believe that Wellington will become a ghost town because of the Goodman going to prison, and I highly doubt my home value will drop any more because of him! I wonder if people in town will change their view on the new proposed Equestrian village now? If everyone is so concerned about our economy, why wouldn't we want bring in more business into our community? That is probably off the scope of this blog, but it makes me wonder?
In response to the disagree, I am not a hateful person. I do not wish ill will twords anyone for no reason. Mr Goodman is probably a very good person and is good for the polo community. This case has gotten to much media coverage, but it would not have if he took responsibility for his actions and not draw this case out ad long as it has on the notions that he was not at fault, that the car surged or that he wasn't drunk or that he didn't know what he hit! He probably did have a concussion, but there was no one to confirm that. No MRI, no complaints at the hospital about it. It's a far reach in my mind to believe that he wasn't drunk, that his car malfunctioned and that he was going for a frosty! When you were in your collision, which I am sorry to hear, how long did it take to call 911? Maybe he didn't know what he hit, or that he pushed Wilsons car in the canal, but to wait almost an hour to call 911 and nit make that your first call, calling your girlfriend/daughter first, then your assistant, then wait another 15 mins to be convinced to call 911, in my mind is enough to charge him with rendering aid. If he didn't know what he hit, why did he say on the 911 tape that he didn't see the car coming, and that he been in a wreck? There is to much time not accounted for after the crash. I agree with some of your views, because I do have an open mind, but I don't believe you can compare this case to other DUI cases for the fact that the media coverage and the very peculiar circumstances that happened after the crash! He should be an advocate after atleast 15 to 20 years!
Mike, your issues with Goodman come across as far more personally motivated than related to the accident we're discussing (i.e. discussing his character, adoptions etc etc.). If I were a DUI spokesperson I would find it personally insulting that many people are allowed on the roads with multiple DUI's. And that thousands of fatalities occur as a result of DUI every year and receive no media attention and/or having the perpetrator this hated by so many and yet we are throwing the book at this guy? I watched the testimony and couldn't disagree with you more about him seeming remorseful. When there is a public witch hunt like there was for Goodman can you blame him for reaching out to the best possible legal counsel. I personally cannot and I'd be willing to be 90% of the people on this board who are so against Goodman would contact the best counsel they could if they found themselves on the wrong side of the law. I don't think they proved failure to render aid - I don't think you can render aid to something you don't know was there (and the first few responders have confirmed that it looked like nothing was there). It is hard to reconcile not calling 911 first, but in watching this case it's my opinion that Goodman didn't feel urgency to call 911 because he honestly believed at first that he was the one that had been hit/had no idea there was someone else involved in the accident that needed help. Again, that seems counter to logic - but having been in a head on collision myself (in broad daylight with people around) I can personally attest to how completely disorienting it is. Compounded with it being pitch black and no one around and I can only imagine. To anyone with any knowledge of concussions – that is not preposterous either. They are near impossible to diagnose and again, in my personal (non-medical) opinion I find it very likely that he was concussed (in addition to the disorientation/confusion I think we can all agree would result in being in an accident of that magnitude). As several of the doctors in the case attested – Goodman displayed many of the signs of a concussion (and the ones he did not do not have to be present for a concussion to occur). I really don’t think the jury (or many of the public) understands the way our law system works because the defense did not have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Goodman did drink after the accident, had a concussion, or that the car malfunction – only establish reasonable doubt that it could have. I’m not advocating to let Goodman off completely – but many of these hateful reactions saying “give him the max!” seem based on personal hatred based on media slander. The media has reported a one sided story since the accident – this guy never had a shot in the court of public opinion.
Mike I think you're misunderstanding the earlier blogger (or maybe I am?). I'm from the area and regrettably I think the earlier blogger is probably correct about IPC shutting its doors if Goodman gets a significant sentence. I don't believe the assertion is that people come IPC to see Goodman or see him play, but the fact of the matter is - he owns the club. Polo is a close knit community and if Goodman closes the doors to IPC all those huge money 20 and 26 goal teams are not going to stick around/keep coming here. Will there still be some lower goal polo - sure, but Sunday Polo/all the serious revenue generating teams - no. The immediate loss of jobs for club employees, grooms, staff for those teams/families will be minimal compared to the hit to local businesses, property value and horse related industries (the sheer # of horses involved in polo - 15+ per player vs. the 1 -2 horses per show jumper will devastate farriers etc. etc.). This isn't speculation and I have no vested interest as some previous bloggers, but looking at this completely objectively and as an econ major having studied this sort of thing the facts do all seem to point in this direction. Now look, am I saying we say "lets pretend this never happened for the sake of our economy?" Absolutely not. A young mans life was lost and for that there needs to be consequences. However, at the risk of sounding callous (and I in no way want to underscore this tragedy/loss) thousands of vehicular fatalities occur each year (many as the result of DUI) and those families receive no compensation and there is no media attention. Do I think Goodman should do a few years - sure. But he's not a violent criminal and given the amount of good he can do and the fact that he's not a threat to the community in any way (permanent loss of license for sure) I don't see the benefit to locking him up for an extended period of time. And do I worry about the economy/housing values etc. if that were to happen...I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But trying to separate that from the facts I just think the max seems undue punishment given the number of violent crimes occurring out there and individuals who are repeat offenders our community would be safer without if they were locked up.
When you say that " it has been decided that the IPC will shut it's doors" , who made that decision? Is goodman the only Polo star that contributes to polo? I highly doubt that you are an expert on how the economy in our town will be affected if he goes to prison. You are making assumptions based on the lack of knowledge of our town! I believe that he should get close to the maximum! Yes he does have to live with " the day to day torture" but that shouldn't mean he should get a light sentence like house arrest or probation!! Are you kidding me??!! He showed no remorse at all. Regardless of his staged testimony, he knows what he hit that night, and I highly doubt he was on his way For a frosty! There are lots of situations in his past that we were not able to hear in court that would show him for who he really is. I don't believe that giving him house arrest and making him do community service is enough! What so he can sit in his mansion, watch polo at his Sunday brunch service? Do you really think he would pick up trash on the side of the road for community service? I would take it as an insult If he was a spokesman for DUI. What would he preach? How to get the best lawyers, lie in court, or try to buy your way out of responsibility? What a crock of ####!! He needs to do atleast 20 !! If he had just got into the accident, but didn't leave, or atleast called 911 before his girlfriend/ daughter, or Carlos, and then waited 20 mins or so to decide to call 911, I would feel differently. Or if he showed some remorse I'm court, but he did not!
I agree with "An Eye for an Eye Leaves the Whole World Blind" !!!
I have a child the same age as Scott Wilson, God Forbid something happened to her in an ACCIDENT I would not get any satisfaction seeing the other person involved in the ACCIDENT put away behind bars, especially if he does not have any prior convictions. He is already living in a day to day torture, anyone that has been involved in an accident that has a death involed will always live with the pain whether it is their fault or not. I agree with house arrest, permanent loss of license, years of parole, some community service and a life dedicated to raising awareness about DUI/reckless driving and perhaps setting up a service to provide rides to drivers who should not be on the roads.
The Wilson family, Judge, and the prosecuters need to pray about this and put their anger aside, yes it's a painful tragedy but hate and anger is not the answer, Mr. Goodman did not perform a premediatated crime to intentially hurt someone there are so many violent criminals that deserve to be kept behind bars because they are at danger to society, Mr. Goodman is not a dangerous man . Please keep in mind the children he has, why hurt more people? Please think of the children, they need their dad. Taking their dad away is not going to bring Scott Wilson back, its not going to heal the parents heart, but two wrongs will not make a right.
I do not personally know Mr. Goodman nor am I getting paid for this as people may think about about anyone that has a realistic opinion, I just don't see what we all gain from keeping someone behind bars that can do so much more for the community and the cause.
Nonviolent criminal. No priors. Paid the family $40 million civilly (which they accepted). Being publicly lambasted and made an example of by the media based on wealth/misguided notions about the kind of person people want to think he is.
I propose absolute minimum sentence, permanent loss of license, years of parole, some community service and a life dedicated to raising awareness about DUI/reckless driving and perhaps setting up a service to provide rides to drivers who should not be on the roads.
Don't let Scott Wilson die in vain by letting this man rot in jail.
IPC will shut down if Goodman goes away for more than 10years. Fact. That's been decided on. As to John Wash running the club - you're right in that I know a thing or two about polo and Wellington and that man runs nothing. His days are probably numbered. I dont think the trial was fair - I think vehicular manslaughter would have been a tilting charge. A promising young life was tragically cut short and for that there needs to be one time. But 30 years is beyond excessive.
In response to your Comment, do you really believe that Goodman is involved in day to day operations at the IPC? Mr Walsh has been running polo for years. Polo was here years before IPC. I highly doubt that the IPC will close their doors because Goodman is in prison. I am sure that his girlfriend/ adopted daughter has some sort of financial say in what goes on there! I have lived in Wellington for many years and would agree that polo contributes a big part to our economy along with show jumping, but I don't believe that polo will not be here just because Goodman is in prison. As far as a fair trial, he did get a fair trial! The facts and the evidence would have been the same no matter where the trial was. I believe he should do the full time. If it was me or you in his shoes we would get the same time! You clearly don't know what your talking about because it's obvious that you are biased twords Goodman or Polo! I am a year round resident and I know how polo affects our economy. IPC won't close it's doors. Goodman has the finances and the people to keep it running! Polo doesn't come to Wellington for John Goodman! They come to Wellington for the stage of good comptetion that Goodman help put together! It may have not been a violent crime, but he made that decision to get behind the wheel knowing that he had alcohol and drugs in his system. He killed a young man for a frosty?? And you believe he shouldn't do time because he is John Goodman, millionaire, IPC founder. You are clearly out of your mind!!
Well spoken "Minimum sentence = maximum benefit for all"....I agree fully.
I don't think the time fits the crime. Goodman didn't (couldn't) possibly have gotten a fair trial in Palm Beach with all this media exposure. A life was tragically lost - there is no way around that. But given the number of drivers who repeatedly get DUI's and are released onto the roads - to give 15-30 years to a man who has never had so much as a speeding ticket, will never drive again (I do suggest permanently revoking his license) and is not convicted of a violent crime or a threat to our community is a sick miscarriage of justice.
@Mike....your sorely mistake . When the doors close to the International Polo Club, polo leaves Wellington. At least on the elite level it is now that draws in the worlds best and teams which furnish the Wellington economy. Show jumping will remain, not polo...you clearly haven't done your homework/don't know what you're talking about.
It amazes me how many people are Defending Goodman! I am sure that the people who are, know him in someway to where they benefit from him! The bottom line is that if it was your child who's life was taken by his selfish decision to drink and drive, you all would be doing the same thing. Regardless if he had 4 drinks or 12 drinks, he killed someone! The notion that if he got the maximum sentence, that Wellington would no longer be an elite polo destination and that our property values would go down is ludicrous! There are a lot of rich horse people who have been coming here and will keep coming here for years to come, Wether Goodman is here or not! Polo is not the only equestrian sport in town! If you do the crime, you do the time!!
It amazes me how many people are Defending Goodman! I am sure that the people who are, know him in someway to where they benefit from him! The bottom line is that if it was your child who's life was taken by his selfish decision to drink and drive, you all would be doing the same thing. Regardless if he had 4 drinks or 12 drinks, he killed someone! The notion that if he got the maximum sentence, that Wellington would no longer be an elite polo destination and that our property values would go down is ludicrous! There are a lot of rich horse people who have been coming here and will keep coming here for years to come, Wether Goodman is here or not! Polo is not the only equestrian sport in town! If you do the crime, you do the time!!
I think based on the facts and the issue that he does not a prior conviction before the accident, 11.5 years...he might be out in 9, but that's punishment enough for him. I don't know, therefore I can't judge if he's a good or bad, nor I am God to judge anyone. ...he's the final judge, but I do believe he's guilty and he should paid for he's done. I have nothing against him personally, and a lot the people support him because he has a powerful man, and but no one is above the law and he should be given a just sentence.
No one can accuse Goodman of not being a job creator. That's pure fiction. If we lock Goodman up for 30 years I think that will become all too evident. Polo brings millions upon millions of dollars into Wellington - if he's locked up for a decade + the club will close and that will go away. The ripple effect from that will be devastating. Housing prices will crash, local businesses will fail - and you'll be eating your words about job creation.
But again, this shouldn't be about $ - the Wilson's keep saying that only after they accepted $40 million in a civil suit from Goodman. Give the man a very very minimal sentence (he has no priors has never even had a speeding ticket!) is non-violent/in no conceivable way a threat to the community and will never drive again (he's been alcohol/drug tested constantly since the accident so no one can say he's engaging in those activities) enforce probation/permanent loss of license/thousands of hours of community service (participation in some program raising awareness/to be of benefit to the community). Frankly its a monumental waste of tax dollars to lock this guy up when instead he could do so much good.
I hope the Wilson's move towards "healing" by accepting that this has been settled civilly $40 million times over - they are now the rich ones and Goodman now has a fraction of what they have. Letting go of this hate for Goodman and forcing him instead to do something of benefit instead of rot in jail seems to me to the right thing to do to move towards healing. Dont let Scott die in vain, let his memory live on through some positive program Goodman has to do. That to me seems more like justice.
This case proves one thing; the wealthy aren't necessarily the job creators republicans proclaim. Had John Goodman hired a driver when he desired to go out drinking, this tragedy would have never occurred. If you drink, get a driver or stay home. Goodman demonstrated his selfishness many times over by getting behind the wheel while drunk, leaving the scene and attempting to avoid the blame for his terrible lack of judgement.
He is responsible for killing Scott Wilson and should serve somewhere above the minimum sentence. I hope he appreciates the accommodations in the Florida prison system.
I think he should rot in prison...why do all the white people always get away with things like this..look at the guy that shoot the black kid ..free...casey ant. Killed her kid...free now this pony ridding rich guy wants to kill a young teen and walk...what kind of justice is that. Send his butt to prison...
An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind....
I urge anyone even attempting to invoke God/religion in this take a good look at the the values advocated in the Bible and any ethics course. Give Goodman the lightest possible sentence and mandate him to dedicate his time to a cause of benefit. Otherwise Scott Wilson died in vain.
I agree with the few supporters that are brave enough to express themselves among all the haters. I think the public and the jurors completely ignored the facts and the evidence in this case. He did NOT have that many drinks at the bar that night. Witnesses and evidence confirm that but that was completely ignored. It was a terrible accident. It's such a shame that Scott Wilson lost his life at no error of his own...but it was still an accident and having another person 'lose his life' does not help matters.
How could he not leave the scene? He came to and didn't see another car - didn't have an operable phone and didn't see anyone else around. He had to go look for a phone. Who would just sit there in the middle of the night and hope & just wait for someone to show up?? Things would have been a lot different if only his phone battery wasn't dead. He could have stayed at the scene and made the call.
I personally do not know John Goodman but I know people who do. From all that I've heard, I believe that he's a good human being and I don't think that he would ever intentionally leave someone to die. He simply did not know that the other car was in the canal.
It seems that everyone wants to convict him because of his wealth. This poor man was convicted before the trial ever even began.
@Matt....AGREE 100%
The Palm Beach Post has continually provided the most biased and vitriolic coverage of this case. The fact that Mr. Goodman is wealthy (actually *was* wealthy, now that he has paid the Wilsons millions and millions of dollars) should have nothing to do with the facts of the circumstances and judgement of the accident - but the PBP has made his wealth their major factor in determining his guilt and punishment - and has encouraged others to do the same.
If he were John Dow, average guy, there is no way this case would have merited the hateful, bitter and acrimonious coverage we have all been subject to over the past two years.
This accident was a tragedy in all respects, but ignoring the facts and rushing to judgement based on legally irrelevant bias only extends the tragedy.
@McMayor -(This was not a routine DUI manslaughter. Here the driver left the scene and let the innocent victim drown to death in canal water. He left him to die alone in the dark. He deserves no sympathy from anyone.) I disagree with you.
It was pitch black, he had just been in a horrible accident, he was dazed , injured, and did not see another car...if you listen to the first two 911 callers--they were walking around the area...giving the plate # to 911 and both callers said they did NOT see another car. His phone was dead. He left the scene of the accident to get help. He knew he was in an accident but didn't know what happened. HE DID NOT SEE ANOTHER CAR.
Why didn't the police go in the canal and try to save the boy? How did they KNOW he was dead? They were at the scene at the time the 2nd 011 call came in...the men that called 911 were told NOT to go into the water by 911.
Above all the PBSO dept at the scene should be arrested for criminal negligence for not attempting to rescue Scott Walker. Maybe he could have been saved! He had a survivable injuries.
@You all are sick -(No remorse? BS! I know the guy and watched the testimony - this will haunt him for the rest of his life. He's paid ten of millions of dollars to the Wilson's in the civil suit and done wonders for the community. You are hateful misers and I hope karma comes to bite you all in your miserable butts.) I agree with you.
This was an accident. Where is the evidence of this coverup... that everyone lied for John Goodman. He was not proven to be drunk. The jury did not understand the facts. The state's own expert testified Goodman would have a blood-alcohol level of .05 percent based on four drinks at the time of the accident. Goodman's blood-alcohol was measured at .177 percent at 4 a.m., three hours after crash. Goodman would have to drink 20 drinks in the hour and 15 minutes at the Players Club to reach that blood-alcohol level..The state didn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Goodman was intoxicated enough to constitute a crime at the time of the crash. The jury is giving in to sensationalism. I have complete sympathy. This was a horrible accident, but this is not a crime."
This was not a routine DUI manslaughter. Here the driver left the scene and let the innocent victim drown to death in canal water. He left him to die alone in the dark. He deserves no sympathy from anyone.
If he had taken responsibility for the wreck and the loss of life, I would agree to entertain the notion of a mitigated jail sentence. He lied under oath, had his friends lie, he tried to make a mockery of the court, for these actions he deserves the max.
He could not have saved Scott. No one could, and I believe he never saw the car in the canal. Sentence him to the 11.5 years, out in 9.
No remorse? BS! I know the guy and watched the testimony - this will haunt him for the rest of his life. He's paid ten of millions of dollars to the Wilson's in the civil suit and done wonders for the community. You are hateful misers and I hope karma comes to bite you all in your miserable butts. God bless you John Goodman!
Roy Black= I used to have respect for him.
A loss of two lives ... innocent victim Scott Wilson and drunk driver John Goodman. Hopefully the good in this is the noteriaty of the trial that will prevent other drunks from driving and even perhaps giving up drinking completely. I for one did based on a similar case in WPB several years ago. Congratulations to the prosecutor and shame on Mr. Black for an arrogant attempt at making fools of the jurors. Sympathies to the Wilsons for their loss of Scott and to John Goodman for a series of terrible mistakes.
I think he should rot in jail. My prayers go out to the Wilson's family.
To Florida criminal defense attorney: How many months/years would Goodman have to serve before his release date and/or being eligible for parole? A couple of decades ago or so a person who was sentenced to Texas state prison had to serve only one month for every year he or she was sentenced. So, a 30 year sentence meant a convict would be released (as opposed to be eligible for parole) after serving only 30 months. Now that law has changed dramatically --- for obvious reasons --- and the minimum is much great than 1 month for every year.
John Goodman is simultaneously extremely wealthy and utterly worthless.
THIS BASTARD SHOULD GET THE MAXIUM OF AT LEAST 25 YEARS.. THAT YOUNG MAN IS DEAD "A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH" MY WIFE IS AN ATTORNEY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY AND JUST SAID TO ME " WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND" THE YOUNG MAN HAD AT LEAST 60 YEARS OF LIFE LEFT IF HE WAS NOT KILLED BY THIS DRUNK ..
DRIVER
MONEY SHOULD NOT GET YOU OFF RESPONSABILITY FOR KILLING THIS YOUNG 20 YEAR OLD..
GOD WOULD NOT LET THIS GO UNPUNISHED-- THANK YOU MIGHTY
Give him the max. To blatantly lie and let that young man "drown", unreal! An eye for an eye Mr. Goodman!
Public defender could have done better than Shapiro and Black. What a waste of money. Prayers to Scott's family.
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Court system think about it if it was one Of your kids just because he have money doesnt mean that he is not guilty justice need to be served he left the scene Of a crime.
Maybe his lawyers should serve his time with him since they took his money and lied in court. Maybe he will adopt his new girlfriend.
I watched Goodman's testifying; unbelievable. Who could possibly
believe any thing he said; nothing connected, made sense.
He remembered, could not recall, etc. How many friends were
approached and hedged on time, number of drinks, etc. Goodman
deserves the maximum with time off after a long time to reflect
on his extremely poor judgement. Prayers for the victim's family.
His defense at the trial showed he had no remorse for the death he caused, only that he was trying to save his own hide. He should have opened his checkbook to the poor parents of the boy he killed. Them pled guilty to a lesser charge and agree to go to prison for several years . At least 5. That would have been the right strategy. Instead he hired a super lawyer and tried to get off completely by proposing a bizzare set of facts that were totally lacking in credibility. So instead of losing 5 years, he is going to get at least 20 and probaly more. He deserves it for being so selfish and unrepentant. Bye bye John. See how all your money is going to help you now.
All actions taken by him up to the point of the trial shows that he was not willing to pay for his actions. A sentence is a sentence. Giving him leniency is a message that you can commit a crime and still get off with a kiss on the cheek. Max sentence for him!,,
he is a selfish person who made a lot of bad decisions that night....he should be punished severely and used as an example to the other athletes and celebrities who think they can act with impunity
he is a selfish person who made a lot of bad decisions that night....he should be punished severely and used as an example to the other athletes and celebrities who think they can act with impunity
I hope he is out soon since he helped me buy the Wellington Council.
Im glad to see a conviction. Money cant buy freedom which was the lesson learned here. Do I think he should serve max sentence, no; but a 10-15 year stent will suffice.
He made a reckless mistake & will pay the price. I dont think it's worth the max - many multiple offense criminals do less time for violent crimes
I hope he finds his new MAN CAVE adequately equipped with alcohol, because he's in for some real pain.
He fled the scene of an accident he caused and could have saved the life of the victim if he hadn't been so drunk and selfish. Max the Rich Polo boy
Callous behavior deserves it
He should of pleaded guilty. Take his responsibly. He thought his money would buy him out of this.