Stow is seen waiving his hands during the confrontation. (TMZ) |
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- A Dodger fan, seen on cell phone video in a pre-beating confrontation with Bryan Stow, say he thinks Stow may have provoked the brutal attack.
Juan Banda says Stow was inciting Dodger fans during this year's home opener by screaming, "I (sic) rather eat my own feces than eat a Dodger dog," TMZ is reporting.
Banda reportedly says he was arguing with Stow because "he crossed the line."
In a text message obtained by TMZ, Banda said, "I asked Merced [a friend Banda was with at the game] to watch my back and told him [Stow] it was one thing to root for your team but you are crosing (sic) the line ... he didn't say much ... neither him or his buddies who were with him ... they were just trying to excuse his words."
Banda says nothing happened and he went back to his seat.
He continued texting, "What I can't understand is where were his buddies when that [the attack] happened ... he was not alone during the game ... he was with 3 or 4 friends ... he did have a mouth though!"
TMZ reports Banda also texted, "Maybe he said the wrong thing to the wrong guys!"
A representative for Stow's family tells TMZ, "There has been enough hurt and pain for Bryan, his family, friends and especially his two young children."
The rep continues, "Banter is expected at any sporting event. Violence should not be. Bryan is not a violent person. That shows as he remains seated, hands up as someone is in his face yelling. Over what? Comments about a hot dog?!!"
The video shows Stow in the bleachers at the Dodgers-Giants game on March 31.
Stow waives his arms in what appears to be the end of a confrontation with a man wearing a Dodgers jersey.
The Dodger fan points his finger in Stow's face before returning to his seat.
SEE THE VIDEO
Stow, a paramedic and father of 2, was jumped in the parking lot following the Dodgers season opener in March.
Police say he was kicked and beaten and had his head slammed into the pavement.
Stow suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injuries.
He remains in a coma at San Francisco General Hospital.
Doctors have upgraded his condition from critical to serious, but say he likely suffered permanent brain damage.
Juan Banda says Stow was inciting Dodger fans during this year's home opener by screaming, "I (sic) rather eat my own feces than eat a Dodger dog," TMZ is reporting.
Banda reportedly says he was arguing with Stow because "he crossed the line."
In a text message obtained by TMZ, Banda said, "I asked Merced [a friend Banda was with at the game] to watch my back and told him [Stow] it was one thing to root for your team but you are crosing (sic) the line ... he didn't say much ... neither him or his buddies who were with him ... they were just trying to excuse his words."
Banda says nothing happened and he went back to his seat.
He continued texting, "What I can't understand is where were his buddies when that [the attack] happened ... he was not alone during the game ... he was with 3 or 4 friends ... he did have a mouth though!"
TMZ reports Banda also texted, "Maybe he said the wrong thing to the wrong guys!"
A representative for Stow's family tells TMZ, "There has been enough hurt and pain for Bryan, his family, friends and especially his two young children."
The rep continues, "Banter is expected at any sporting event. Violence should not be. Bryan is not a violent person. That shows as he remains seated, hands up as someone is in his face yelling. Over what? Comments about a hot dog?!!"
The video shows Stow in the bleachers at the Dodgers-Giants game on March 31.
Stow waives his arms in what appears to be the end of a confrontation with a man wearing a Dodgers jersey.
The Dodger fan points his finger in Stow's face before returning to his seat.
SEE THE VIDEO
Stow, a paramedic and father of 2, was jumped in the parking lot following the Dodgers season opener in March.
Police say he was kicked and beaten and had his head slammed into the pavement.
Stow suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injuries.
He remains in a coma at San Francisco General Hospital.
Doctors have upgraded his condition from critical to serious, but say he likely suffered permanent brain damage.
