Phil Mickelson has once again pledged his support behind Daniel Penny after the veteran was cleared of criminally negligent homicide following the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny placed Neely in a chokehold in May 2023, after the latter was allegedly heard screaming and threatening passengers on a New York subway. I wasnt trying to injure him. Im just trying to keep him from hurting anyone else. Hes threatening people. Thats what we learn in the Marine Corps, said Penny at the time.
Over 18 months on, Penny has been acquitted of any wrongdoing, following the decision of a Manhattan jury on Monday. This decision came after a more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week due to the jury not reaching a unanimous decision.
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Following the result of the hearing on Monday morning, Penny received the support of one of the greatest golfers of all time in Mickelson. Taking to social media to respond to the decision, the LIV Golf star tweeted: “Finally a little common sense.
“There never should have been a trial. He should be commended for selfless actions to protect the other passengers and those who brought charges should be out of a job.” Mickelson’s claim on (X) formerly Twitter came after he echoed similar thoughts in a post last Friday.
The HyFlyers captain was responding to a post made by political commentator Collin Rugg, who had also pledged his backing behind Penny during the trial. “Agree,” replied Mickelson. “Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual.”
While the criminal trial was ongoing, Neely’s father Andre Zachary sued Penny for his involvement in his son’s death, but this was played down by Penny’s attorney Steven Raiser last week. “The timing is unfortunate as Danny is awaiting a verdict from the jury where the potential consequences are far greater than any civil suit could threaten, he said in a statement Thursday.
We will not be distracted by this attempt to attack Danny while he is under such tremendous stress. Raiser addressed the New York Supreme Court on Monday after his client was acquitted of the charge put against him. “Who do you want on the next train ride with you? he said in a closing statement.
“The guy with the earbuds minding his own business who you know would be there for you if something happened? Or perhaps you just hope that someone like Jordan Neely does not enter that train when you are all alone, all alone in a crowd of others frozen with fear?
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