I want to see how the Johnny Vitos and the like act and feel when it's a member of their family. Let's see how forgiving you are then.
Greg - 8 years ago
They should have been paid more. You people are calling this an accident. This is no accident when someone KNOWS what they are doing is wrong, it's not an accident. Goldman knows what the law says about driving drunk. It's one thing when someone rear ends a car due to following to close or brake failure. I consider it to be poor judgement , but to know you have been drinking no you know what the law is about driving drunk NO WAY so I give sympathy to Goodman. He really wasn't punished enough after all be still has his multi-million dollar home and still has a networth of over $60 million .
This country is too easy on drunk drivers. Some people have 7 to 8 convictions and are still driving.. Not until these drunks kill someone does anyone say or do anything. Everyone convicted of driving drunk should be fined a min of $10,000 dollars and 6 months in jail and the 2nd time it's $20,000 and 5 yards I jail and you lose your lisence for life! Sometimes you just can't teach old drunks new ways. Fuck Them!
Rudy A Dias - 8 years ago
Iyes he knew a person was in the car he knocked in the canal, it wasnt driving itself!! His money keeps him out of jail.a lesser afluent(me or you)would still be in jail and you ignorant star struck morons pity goodman, the kids parents lost a child goodman only lost money which hollywood will help him get back ie his new movie.your youthful ignorance and total absence of moral responsibility sickens me! Actors bring nothing to the table in real life, no product no service nothing,they used to be called "wastrels"and you are their minions, empty void of character.
johnny vilo - 9 years ago
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
johnny vilo - 9 years ago
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
johnny vilo - 9 years ago
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
Linda - 10 years ago
The best way to punish someone for their crimes, other than prison, is to empty their purse. True, money cannot bring back the dead. But, having to give it up can severly punish the KILLER.
Aussie Guy - 11 years ago
Greedy American Lawyers. And greedy selfish parents. It only cost $4000 to lay my 18 year old son to rest. Greedy and shameful.
Actually informed - 11 years ago
He didn't get thirty years; he got sixteen. Not only that, but he is appealing. He was given the option to be under house arrest until the appeal. The time he spent under house arrest counted towards his sixteen years. I don't know about you, but I don't think I would be given the option to hang out at my mansion in place of jail time.
Teresa - 11 years ago
Whatever monies were agreed to was fine. The man is worth $300 mil. The big question is, Does John Goodman deserve 30 years! I've seen him called a murderer. He's no murderer. He didn't see they boy in the water. Period. He didn't think,"Aha! I see a car upside down in shallow water, I think I'll just let them die.". Didn't happen. His defense team, in my opinion, coheresed Mr. Goodman into purgery. His $12 million lawyers gave him Ill advice. I think he should be granted a new trial due to misrepresentation. I'm not saying Mr. Goodman didn't commit a crime. What I am saying is he should've had proper representation. Guilty of DUI manslaughter, first time offender, non violent individual... 30 Years?? The system hated him hated his lawyers hated his money and nailed him to the cross.
Actually informed - 11 years ago
I don't know how many of you understand that goodman did not pay a penny of settlement money. Any money he spent in this situation was given to his lawyers to conoct a cock and bull story that may provide even the smallest reasonable doubt in the juries eyes. What do you expect the Wilson family to do with a dead son and no say in the criminal trial? All they could do was focus on getting as much money as possible out of the case. Can you blame them? If anything, their son is dead, they might as well live out the rest of their years comfortably and provide for their future generations with the money of their son's murderer. Also, how in the world can you think this wasn't a fair trial? They spent days and days picking a jury. A jury that both sides agreed on. Black could have easily threw out enough jurors to create a mistrial, but he agreed on the members. The media was heavily involved, but the jurors were instructed to stay out of it. Evidence was provided from both perspectives, and goodman was found guilty and rightfully so. And at Cincy, get your facts straight, the Wilson's did not pay for Lisa Pembletons lawyer. She was scared and wanted a lawyer for protection. The woman she worked for knew a lawyer that happened to work for the searcy firm. He offered his services pro bono because she was scared.
Patty - 11 years ago
I think John Goodman panicked after the accident like some people would do, was it wrong yes but lets not forget Edward Kennedy knew his female passenger was in his car and he left her there to die and didn't serve any time for it. Edward Kennedy passed by many houses and never went to get help for Mary Lou who he knew was still inside the car.,it wasn't until the next day when he finally called the police . So why is it ok for him to be let go but not for John Goodman maybe he should change his name and the results would be different. I also think the parents shouldn't get the money but it should be put into a scholarship with their sons name.
Simmer down now... - 12 years ago
Hey, let's look at who is attacking who here. I merely suggested that "can't fool me" stay on point (this case has nothing to do with race) you can only read the same redundant rambling for so long without saying something.
At simmer down now - 12 years ago
You have no clue. Try not to attack the posters. It's an opinion thread. Ya Richard.
Simmer down now... - 12 years ago
Good plan. Hurry along now.
Can't fool me - 12 years ago
Sorry for my opinion. Let me go back to parking cars at "the club"
Simmer down now... - 12 years ago
Wow, now we are making this about race? You're reaching "can't fool me". It's amusing how witty you think you are when you're really just rambling. Let some of the other kids who actually have something of value to say speak now.
Can't fool me - 12 years ago
Shame on me for being so hard on the upper class........ I spoke out of line massa. Can i clean your shoes? Let's break this whole theatric down to simplicity. The problem with the court system is we allow the defense to fabricate this crazy, out of this land "B" movie plot. There was an accident and a young man is dead. There is one person who was there that night and did not do the right thing. I and anyone in their right mind is not gonna let the defense and the spineless, coward of a man John Goodman lead to believe he is not at fault for all of this. Can you imagine the world if all the po gangsters had a defense team like Goodman. It would be anarchy out there. We would have to live in fear for our wives and children, Just saying. I was taught in my family to step up and take it like a man if you did something wrong. Everyone is free to an opinion in this country. Just imagine for one minute you were the parent and your child was on the receiving end of Goodmans party night. Could you Sit through this and think. Wow!! Goodman is a swell guy.....even if he had the blood of your child all over his hands. Oh that's right he wouldn't be dirty. This can't happen to a Polo Mogul. He has done so much. His past doesn't give him a free hall pass. That's just as bad as the wealth bias.
J. Boley - 12 years ago
@Can't fool me.....I believe you just completely captured the kind of class welfare and 'wealth bias' the defense references in saying this was a biased trial. I am as poor as they come. I come from a single parent family that works incredibly hard and have had our share of struggles. I do not drink and drive nor have I ever. I do believe as citizens we are ALL entitled to a fair trial. This was not a fair trial in my opinion and the 'reporting' was completely one sided. Please do not speak for me and presume that anyone who supports Goodman is either on his payroll or very wealthy themselves. Thank you.
Can't fool me - 12 years ago
You affluent pieces of work never surprise me. You believe with all your money you can cover things up and do what you want. You think that you own everyone and everything. I love how you think you pay everones salaries. FYI your $$ does not allow you to do what you want. You all sound like a bunch of sore losers. Commit the crime now do some time. Ohhhhh.. pooooor...John Goodman, he has to sit in jail with convicts. Wake up people, he killed a young man because he was living it up. I see the well to do out at bars all the time getting hammered and hoping right into their cars. You all are in denial. You think a wealthy person can't be attached to a stigma like this. Well it happened and it's time to pay. Just look around yourself the next time your out at a bar, resturaunt, or "the club". Give yourself a reality check, call a cab. Cause Goodman didn't get away with it and neither will you!
Can't fool me - 12 years ago
You affluent pieces of work never surprise me. You believe with all your money you can cover things up and do what you want. You think that you own everyone and everything. I love how you think you pay everones salaries. FYI your $$ does not allow you to do what you want. You all sound like a bunch of sore losers. Commit the crime now do some time. Ohhhhh.. pooooor...John Goodman, he has to sit in jail with convicts. Wake up people, he killed a young man because he was living it up. I see the well to do out at bars all the time getting hammered and hoping right into their cars. You all are in denial. You think a wealthy person can't be attached to a stigma like this. Well it happened and it's time to pay. Just look around yourself the next time your out at a bar, resturaunt, or "the club". Give yourself a reality check, call a cab. Cause Goodman didn't get away with it and neither will you!
Julie DeLuca - 12 years ago
Shame on the Palm Beach Post!
Every day you wrote about RICH, WEALTHY, BENTLEY owner John Goodman and had terrible comments about him BECAUSE he is RICH and drove a BENTLEY....now NOTHING about the unfair trial he got in Palm Beach County. Shame on all of you! Is there no one left we can trust?
Trust, especially as embodied in institutions--the Church, the Law, the Courts, Congress, Civil and Public Services and even the media---is one of the foundations of a civilized society.
It can't function without it: breach of trust on a widespread scale is just about the most ignoble route to anarchy, motivated as it must be by self-interest and deception on the part of the trustees.
------------------------------------------------------ Judge Colbath should be removed and imprisoned for putting on such an unfair and biased trail. Shame on you Judge Colbath!
We (the taxpayers) pay your salary, Judge Colbath, and your healthcare, and pension too. We should get our money back....you did bad job.
Judge Colbath you are guilty of malpractice.
Judge Colbath you are out of order...the whole system is out of order.
This judge should be tarred and feathered! AND sentenced to prison for the rest of his life!!!!
Mr. Goodman did not get a fair trial.
Also I just want you to know that the state (taxpayers) paid for the first shame trial...and as a taxpayer I am furious to think that we will have to pay for another trial.
Also it's a shame that Mr. Goodman had to pay The Black Law firm for the first trial and now perhaps if he gets a new chance for a new trial, Mr. Goodman will have to pay The Black Law firm AGAIN for another trial.
And then we have the Wilson's and the Searcy Law firm dividing up their $46,000,000.00!! !!!!!!! Lotto!!!!!!!!
If this happened to me...I would just want to kill myself.
And Justice for All????? What a joke!
Steve Stefani - 12 years ago
46 million? John Goodman was convicted by the media, before he ever stepped into court. John Goodman ABSOLUTELY did not knowing " fail to render aid". If he is guilty of " failing to render aid", then the first two witnesses, who called police, and reported seeing only one car, and no one needing aid at the scene of the crash, are guilty too. Especially guilty of "failing to render aid" are the police themselves, who did not remove victim from car for over three hours! What if he had slowly bled to death? Shouldn't the extremely slow police and first responders go to prison for "failure to render aid"?? How is an accident survivor the only one presumed capable, and responsible, for rendering aid? The Wilson's have others they can sue in addition to John Goodman!
Be serious - 12 years ago
The Wilson's had attorneys for MONTH appraising / assessing Goodmans net worth/how much he was able to pay....you have to think this was close to the maximum. The press in my opinion has exaggerated Goodmans worth HUGELY from the start. Wake up! They are getting greedy!
The Wilson family deserve more they should give them Good man ..all of his billion$$
No way! - 12 years ago
There should be serious stipulations as to where the bulk of this $ goes. And Bob, $46 million for care for your parents...I agree there should be some restitution but lets be serious here... The Wilson's have a younger daughter who should certainly be given a portion of this. All I've been hearing are tales of new luxury vehicles and wardrobes and pitching book deals - that's shameful.
Bob - 12 years ago
Yes, as an caregiver for the last 20 years to elderly parents, this provides them the financial means to stay financially stable while having to pay for outside help as they age. The son and his future wife/partner , the potential grand kids etc, would have provided a family support group. Due to Goodman's actions, that can never be. Money will not replace their son, but it might make their life easier down the road.
big jeff - 12 years ago
They don't deserve so much compensation, yet he, as a drunk driver, and as a vehicular homicide purveyor, owes even more to them. MONEY alone is no replacement for their loss.
BLOOD MONEY - 12 years ago
$46 million, media massacre on Goodman + requesting the maximum sentence....sorry, that's sick and greedy and wrong. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
James - 12 years ago
If Goodman is truly in denial, as all non sober alcoholics are, he will undoubtably experience the universal law that some refer to as Karma. There is no escaping it and he will pay a high price and it's not measured in dollars.
James - 12 years ago
Nothing in the world will fix the pain the Wilson's will have for the remainder of their lives. A billion dollars can't fix it. However they may as well take the cash and use it to enjoy the finer things in life. Perhaps they could use some of the funds to get drunks like this guy off the road.
barbara - 12 years ago
Yes indeed, first of all he was their only child. Needless to say, a recent engineering graduate whom was cut short of making those same millions in yrs. to come by a drunken millionaire who didn't give a flying **** about what had happened because if he did he would not have claimed to see a stop sign but not a big car or made up that silly barn drinking binge story. He would have just excepted responsibility, I could have respected him more. Have any of you lost a child to a drunk driver? If not, you won't ever see thru their eyes! I hope he spends the whole 30 yrs in jail! You talk about what he did for the community. His last act is the one you should focus on! SHAKING WELLINGTON TO ITS CORE!!!
Eam - 12 years ago
Absolutely they did. Their will never be with them again, he will not help them as they age. Goodman has never shown proper remorse, he has put them through so much and will tie them up in court for years to come. If they want to punish him financially I do not blame or judge them.
K - 12 years ago
The amount in this case is high because the defendant is wealthy. Because this was a DUI punitive damages are awarded (unlike is most civil cases). Punitive damages are to be high enough to punish the defendant but not high enough to bankrupt him. Most of the settlement amount are due to the punitive damages. If Goodman only had a million dollars to his name, then I would have expected the settlement to be for under a half million dollars.
Nicole/ you obviously don't have any children. For you to say that is ridiculous.
I would like to see how you would behave if you had a child, who was driving home from college
and got hit by a drunken idiot and sent into a canal to die. Maybe, you would think differently.
Shame on you, and you are pathetic too. I trust you don't drink and drive.
Slingo - 12 years ago
Its a double edged sword. On one hand Goodman recklessly killed their son and did nothing to try to save him. He should pay dearly for that, but in prison time. On the other hand, it can be argued that this young man probably would never have made 46 million dollars in his lifetime, so did they really need that much? No, and if not, most of it should be donated. They dont need the money for any medical bills. Since it has been said money cannot heal the pain, you can argue 46 million will surely make it feel a little better.
Kope - 12 years ago
John Goodman didn't pay a dime. The players Club paid $6 million and John Goodman's insurance paid the other $40 million. He has no remorse for what he has done. He didn't apologize for drinking and driving and killing a 23 year old college kid. He paid $10-$12 million to have Roy Black come up with excuses to cover up the fact that John Goodman was intoxicated on Achocol and Pills, drove his car and hit another car that went into a canal and was so nervous he took off on foot. The fact is Scott Wilson's parents will never have their son at home for the holidays or birthdays and any other day for that fact. Goodman has no remorse and for what he did. He will serve his debt to society when he is sentenced to jail.
Vesna - 12 years ago
This is America
Everything is measured in MONEY!
And money only!
There should be a face of baby on American dollar bill!
Cheers!
Isa - 12 years ago
The Wilson father has been mum to the media and will likely be lenient on Goodman. I commend him for that. The mother has contacted every media outlet who will have her (only recently has she stopped at her slimy lawyers request). I respect the father. At least Scott has one parent he can be proud of. Shame on all of you who think you can put a price on a life and better your own lifestyle by the death of a child. Revolting.
Ben - 12 years ago
Its not about the Wilsons "profiting" from the death of their son. It's about hitting the coward in the pocket. Now he can do his time too! You can't tell me Goodman doesn't live it up every week of every year, boozin it up. Should of used your chauffeur or a cab that night Goodman. All the freedom and carefree lifestyle has caught up with ya.
Cincy - 12 years ago
What left a really bad taste in my mouth, the Wilson's paying for the attorney, of the young horse rider in the trailer, and NOT mentioning it to Ellen Roberts and her team. Sleazy..seems like it was all about the money... I am so sorry they lost their son.. However, no amount of money will cure their anger..It is an inside job...
Nicole - 12 years ago
Scott Wilson's parents deserve absolutely NOTHING! You can't put a price on a human life. They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for accepting a penny of Goodman's or The Player's Club Money. I'm disgusted by the Wilson's actions. I don't think you could do anything lower than putting a price-tag on your beloved son's life. Pathetic!
I want to see how the Johnny Vitos and the like act and feel when it's a member of their family. Let's see how forgiving you are then.
They should have been paid more. You people are calling this an accident. This is no accident when someone KNOWS what they are doing is wrong, it's not an accident. Goldman knows what the law says about driving drunk. It's one thing when someone rear ends a car due to following to close or brake failure. I consider it to be poor judgement , but to know you have been drinking no you know what the law is about driving drunk NO WAY so I give sympathy to Goodman. He really wasn't punished enough after all be still has his multi-million dollar home and still has a networth of over $60 million .
This country is too easy on drunk drivers. Some people have 7 to 8 convictions and are still driving.. Not until these drunks kill someone does anyone say or do anything. Everyone convicted of driving drunk should be fined a min of $10,000 dollars and 6 months in jail and the 2nd time it's $20,000 and 5 yards I jail and you lose your lisence for life! Sometimes you just can't teach old drunks new ways. Fuck Them!
Iyes he knew a person was in the car he knocked in the canal, it wasnt driving itself!! His money keeps him out of jail.a lesser afluent(me or you)would still be in jail and you ignorant star struck morons pity goodman, the kids parents lost a child goodman only lost money which hollywood will help him get back ie his new movie.your youthful ignorance and total absence of moral responsibility sickens me! Actors bring nothing to the table in real life, no product no service nothing,they used to be called "wastrels"and you are their minions, empty void of character.
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
Everybody f#&%$ up.. its sad that happened. But in all reality it was just an accident.. assholes see dollar signs fock them. Accepting millions of dollars for an accidental death of a loved one is bad form.. just my opinion.. thats a shitty way to make a buck
The best way to punish someone for their crimes, other than prison, is to empty their purse. True, money cannot bring back the dead. But, having to give it up can severly punish the KILLER.
Greedy American Lawyers. And greedy selfish parents. It only cost $4000 to lay my 18 year old son to rest. Greedy and shameful.
He didn't get thirty years; he got sixteen. Not only that, but he is appealing. He was given the option to be under house arrest until the appeal. The time he spent under house arrest counted towards his sixteen years. I don't know about you, but I don't think I would be given the option to hang out at my mansion in place of jail time.
Whatever monies were agreed to was fine. The man is worth $300 mil. The big question is, Does John Goodman deserve 30 years! I've seen him called a murderer. He's no murderer. He didn't see they boy in the water. Period. He didn't think,"Aha! I see a car upside down in shallow water, I think I'll just let them die.". Didn't happen. His defense team, in my opinion, coheresed Mr. Goodman into purgery. His $12 million lawyers gave him Ill advice. I think he should be granted a new trial due to misrepresentation. I'm not saying Mr. Goodman didn't commit a crime. What I am saying is he should've had proper representation. Guilty of DUI manslaughter, first time offender, non violent individual... 30 Years?? The system hated him hated his lawyers hated his money and nailed him to the cross.
I don't know how many of you understand that goodman did not pay a penny of settlement money. Any money he spent in this situation was given to his lawyers to conoct a cock and bull story that may provide even the smallest reasonable doubt in the juries eyes. What do you expect the Wilson family to do with a dead son and no say in the criminal trial? All they could do was focus on getting as much money as possible out of the case. Can you blame them? If anything, their son is dead, they might as well live out the rest of their years comfortably and provide for their future generations with the money of their son's murderer. Also, how in the world can you think this wasn't a fair trial? They spent days and days picking a jury. A jury that both sides agreed on. Black could have easily threw out enough jurors to create a mistrial, but he agreed on the members. The media was heavily involved, but the jurors were instructed to stay out of it. Evidence was provided from both perspectives, and goodman was found guilty and rightfully so. And at Cincy, get your facts straight, the Wilson's did not pay for Lisa Pembletons lawyer. She was scared and wanted a lawyer for protection. The woman she worked for knew a lawyer that happened to work for the searcy firm. He offered his services pro bono because she was scared.
I think John Goodman panicked after the accident like some people would do, was it wrong yes but lets not forget Edward Kennedy knew his female passenger was in his car and he left her there to die and didn't serve any time for it. Edward Kennedy passed by many houses and never went to get help for Mary Lou who he knew was still inside the car.,it wasn't until the next day when he finally called the police . So why is it ok for him to be let go but not for John Goodman maybe he should change his name and the results would be different. I also think the parents shouldn't get the money but it should be put into a scholarship with their sons name.
Hey, let's look at who is attacking who here. I merely suggested that "can't fool me" stay on point (this case has nothing to do with race) you can only read the same redundant rambling for so long without saying something.
You have no clue. Try not to attack the posters. It's an opinion thread. Ya Richard.
Good plan. Hurry along now.
Sorry for my opinion. Let me go back to parking cars at "the club"
Wow, now we are making this about race? You're reaching "can't fool me". It's amusing how witty you think you are when you're really just rambling. Let some of the other kids who actually have something of value to say speak now.
Shame on me for being so hard on the upper class........ I spoke out of line massa. Can i clean your shoes? Let's break this whole theatric down to simplicity. The problem with the court system is we allow the defense to fabricate this crazy, out of this land "B" movie plot. There was an accident and a young man is dead. There is one person who was there that night and did not do the right thing. I and anyone in their right mind is not gonna let the defense and the spineless, coward of a man John Goodman lead to believe he is not at fault for all of this. Can you imagine the world if all the po gangsters had a defense team like Goodman. It would be anarchy out there. We would have to live in fear for our wives and children, Just saying. I was taught in my family to step up and take it like a man if you did something wrong. Everyone is free to an opinion in this country. Just imagine for one minute you were the parent and your child was on the receiving end of Goodmans party night. Could you Sit through this and think. Wow!! Goodman is a swell guy.....even if he had the blood of your child all over his hands. Oh that's right he wouldn't be dirty. This can't happen to a Polo Mogul. He has done so much. His past doesn't give him a free hall pass. That's just as bad as the wealth bias.
@Can't fool me.....I believe you just completely captured the kind of class welfare and 'wealth bias' the defense references in saying this was a biased trial. I am as poor as they come. I come from a single parent family that works incredibly hard and have had our share of struggles. I do not drink and drive nor have I ever. I do believe as citizens we are ALL entitled to a fair trial. This was not a fair trial in my opinion and the 'reporting' was completely one sided. Please do not speak for me and presume that anyone who supports Goodman is either on his payroll or very wealthy themselves. Thank you.
You affluent pieces of work never surprise me. You believe with all your money you can cover things up and do what you want. You think that you own everyone and everything. I love how you think you pay everones salaries. FYI your $$ does not allow you to do what you want. You all sound like a bunch of sore losers. Commit the crime now do some time. Ohhhhh.. pooooor...John Goodman, he has to sit in jail with convicts. Wake up people, he killed a young man because he was living it up. I see the well to do out at bars all the time getting hammered and hoping right into their cars. You all are in denial. You think a wealthy person can't be attached to a stigma like this. Well it happened and it's time to pay. Just look around yourself the next time your out at a bar, resturaunt, or "the club". Give yourself a reality check, call a cab. Cause Goodman didn't get away with it and neither will you!
You affluent pieces of work never surprise me. You believe with all your money you can cover things up and do what you want. You think that you own everyone and everything. I love how you think you pay everones salaries. FYI your $$ does not allow you to do what you want. You all sound like a bunch of sore losers. Commit the crime now do some time. Ohhhhh.. pooooor...John Goodman, he has to sit in jail with convicts. Wake up people, he killed a young man because he was living it up. I see the well to do out at bars all the time getting hammered and hoping right into their cars. You all are in denial. You think a wealthy person can't be attached to a stigma like this. Well it happened and it's time to pay. Just look around yourself the next time your out at a bar, resturaunt, or "the club". Give yourself a reality check, call a cab. Cause Goodman didn't get away with it and neither will you!
Shame on the Palm Beach Post!
Every day you wrote about RICH, WEALTHY, BENTLEY owner John Goodman and had terrible comments about him BECAUSE he is RICH and drove a BENTLEY....now NOTHING about the unfair trial he got in Palm Beach County. Shame on all of you! Is there no one left we can trust?
Trust, especially as embodied in institutions--the Church, the Law, the Courts, Congress, Civil and Public Services and even the media---is one of the foundations of a civilized society.
It can't function without it: breach of trust on a widespread scale is just about the most ignoble route to anarchy, motivated as it must be by self-interest and deception on the part of the trustees.
------------------------------------------------------ Judge Colbath should be removed and imprisoned for putting on such an unfair and biased trail. Shame on you Judge Colbath!
We (the taxpayers) pay your salary, Judge Colbath, and your healthcare, and pension too. We should get our money back....you did bad job.
Judge Colbath you are guilty of malpractice.
Judge Colbath you are out of order...the whole system is out of order.
This judge should be tarred and feathered! AND sentenced to prison for the rest of his life!!!!
Mr. Goodman did not get a fair trial.
Also I just want you to know that the state (taxpayers) paid for the first shame trial...and as a taxpayer I am furious to think that we will have to pay for another trial.
Also it's a shame that Mr. Goodman had to pay The Black Law firm for the first trial and now perhaps if he gets a new chance for a new trial, Mr. Goodman will have to pay The Black Law firm AGAIN for another trial.
And then we have the Wilson's and the Searcy Law firm dividing up their $46,000,000.00!! !!!!!!! Lotto!!!!!!!!
If this happened to me...I would just want to kill myself.
And Justice for All????? What a joke!
46 million? John Goodman was convicted by the media, before he ever stepped into court. John Goodman ABSOLUTELY did not knowing " fail to render aid". If he is guilty of " failing to render aid", then the first two witnesses, who called police, and reported seeing only one car, and no one needing aid at the scene of the crash, are guilty too. Especially guilty of "failing to render aid" are the police themselves, who did not remove victim from car for over three hours! What if he had slowly bled to death? Shouldn't the extremely slow police and first responders go to prison for "failure to render aid"?? How is an accident survivor the only one presumed capable, and responsible, for rendering aid? The Wilson's have others they can sue in addition to John Goodman!
The Wilson's had attorneys for MONTH appraising / assessing Goodmans net worth/how much he was able to pay....you have to think this was close to the maximum. The press in my opinion has exaggerated Goodmans worth HUGELY from the start. Wake up! They are getting greedy!
The Wilson family deserve more they should give them Good man ..all of his billion$$
There should be serious stipulations as to where the bulk of this $ goes. And Bob, $46 million for care for your parents...I agree there should be some restitution but lets be serious here... The Wilson's have a younger daughter who should certainly be given a portion of this. All I've been hearing are tales of new luxury vehicles and wardrobes and pitching book deals - that's shameful.
Yes, as an caregiver for the last 20 years to elderly parents, this provides them the financial means to stay financially stable while having to pay for outside help as they age. The son and his future wife/partner , the potential grand kids etc, would have provided a family support group. Due to Goodman's actions, that can never be. Money will not replace their son, but it might make their life easier down the road.
They don't deserve so much compensation, yet he, as a drunk driver, and as a vehicular homicide purveyor, owes even more to them. MONEY alone is no replacement for their loss.
$46 million, media massacre on Goodman + requesting the maximum sentence....sorry, that's sick and greedy and wrong. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
If Goodman is truly in denial, as all non sober alcoholics are, he will undoubtably experience the universal law that some refer to as Karma. There is no escaping it and he will pay a high price and it's not measured in dollars.
Nothing in the world will fix the pain the Wilson's will have for the remainder of their lives. A billion dollars can't fix it. However they may as well take the cash and use it to enjoy the finer things in life. Perhaps they could use some of the funds to get drunks like this guy off the road.
Yes indeed, first of all he was their only child. Needless to say, a recent engineering graduate whom was cut short of making those same millions in yrs. to come by a drunken millionaire who didn't give a flying **** about what had happened because if he did he would not have claimed to see a stop sign but not a big car or made up that silly barn drinking binge story. He would have just excepted responsibility, I could have respected him more. Have any of you lost a child to a drunk driver? If not, you won't ever see thru their eyes! I hope he spends the whole 30 yrs in jail! You talk about what he did for the community. His last act is the one you should focus on! SHAKING WELLINGTON TO ITS CORE!!!
Absolutely they did. Their will never be with them again, he will not help them as they age. Goodman has never shown proper remorse, he has put them through so much and will tie them up in court for years to come. If they want to punish him financially I do not blame or judge them.
The amount in this case is high because the defendant is wealthy. Because this was a DUI punitive damages are awarded (unlike is most civil cases). Punitive damages are to be high enough to punish the defendant but not high enough to bankrupt him. Most of the settlement amount are due to the punitive damages. If Goodman only had a million dollars to his name, then I would have expected the settlement to be for under a half million dollars.
Nicole/ you obviously don't have any children. For you to say that is ridiculous.
I would like to see how you would behave if you had a child, who was driving home from college
and got hit by a drunken idiot and sent into a canal to die. Maybe, you would think differently.
Shame on you, and you are pathetic too. I trust you don't drink and drive.
Its a double edged sword. On one hand Goodman recklessly killed their son and did nothing to try to save him. He should pay dearly for that, but in prison time. On the other hand, it can be argued that this young man probably would never have made 46 million dollars in his lifetime, so did they really need that much? No, and if not, most of it should be donated. They dont need the money for any medical bills. Since it has been said money cannot heal the pain, you can argue 46 million will surely make it feel a little better.
John Goodman didn't pay a dime. The players Club paid $6 million and John Goodman's insurance paid the other $40 million. He has no remorse for what he has done. He didn't apologize for drinking and driving and killing a 23 year old college kid. He paid $10-$12 million to have Roy Black come up with excuses to cover up the fact that John Goodman was intoxicated on Achocol and Pills, drove his car and hit another car that went into a canal and was so nervous he took off on foot. The fact is Scott Wilson's parents will never have their son at home for the holidays or birthdays and any other day for that fact. Goodman has no remorse and for what he did. He will serve his debt to society when he is sentenced to jail.
This is America
Everything is measured in MONEY!
And money only!
There should be a face of baby on American dollar bill!
Cheers!
The Wilson father has been mum to the media and will likely be lenient on Goodman. I commend him for that. The mother has contacted every media outlet who will have her (only recently has she stopped at her slimy lawyers request). I respect the father. At least Scott has one parent he can be proud of. Shame on all of you who think you can put a price on a life and better your own lifestyle by the death of a child. Revolting.
Its not about the Wilsons "profiting" from the death of their son. It's about hitting the coward in the pocket. Now he can do his time too! You can't tell me Goodman doesn't live it up every week of every year, boozin it up. Should of used your chauffeur or a cab that night Goodman. All the freedom and carefree lifestyle has caught up with ya.
What left a really bad taste in my mouth, the Wilson's paying for the attorney, of the young horse rider in the trailer, and NOT mentioning it to Ellen Roberts and her team. Sleazy..seems like it was all about the money... I am so sorry they lost their son.. However, no amount of money will cure their anger..It is an inside job...
Scott Wilson's parents deserve absolutely NOTHING! You can't put a price on a human life. They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for accepting a penny of Goodman's or The Player's Club Money. I'm disgusted by the Wilson's actions. I don't think you could do anything lower than putting a price-tag on your beloved son's life. Pathetic!