Prosecutors to seek pre-trial probation in '03 bullpen brawl

BOSTON -- Two former New York Yankees players who allegedly assaulted a Fenway Park groundskeeper during the 2003 American League Championship series could have charges against them dropped if they perform community service and possibly undergo counseling.

Prosecutors planned to propose at a Tuesday court hearing that Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia each perform 50 hours of community service and undergo an anger management evaluation. They also want the two to complete any appropriate counseling within six months.

If those requirements are completed, the assault and battery charges would be dismissed, Suffolk district attorney's spokesman David Procopio said Monday evening.

Nelson, 37, now plays for the Texas Rangers. Garcia, 28, was released this August from the Baltimore Orioles.

Prosecutors said they considered a number of factors, including the players' lack of any prior criminal records and their "histories of family and community involvement."

"While sufficient evidence exists to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, the conduct of Nelson and Garcia does not merit criminal convictions," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

Prosecutors were expected to make their proposal at a hearing Tuesday. If Nelson and Garcia don't accept the deal, the case is expected to go to trial.

Charges were dropped last week against Paul Williams, 25, of Derry, N.H., a part-time groundskeeper who got into the brawl with the two players. Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said a review found there wasn't enough evidence to back up a cross-complaint brought by Nelson against Williams, who teaches special education at a middle school in New Hampshire.

The fight broke out after Williams cheered for the Red Sox while in the bullpen during the third game of the ALCS on Oct. 11, 2003. Earlier in the game, a bench-clearing melee broke out after Garcia was plunked by Boston pitcher Pedro Martinez.

In February, Williams sued the players for more than $33,000 for medical bills, lost wages and loss of his sense of smell. He said the fight left him with a deviated septum, broken teeth, a neck injury and cleat marks on his body.