Bulls Fan Wants Public Apology -- Lawsuit Could Be Avoided -- Letter Sent to Davis from Chicago Attorney Jay Paul Deratany

22 January 2006

Letter from Chicago Attorney, Jay Paul Deratany (Partner, Deratany & Carden).

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Davis,

As you know, I represent Mike Axelrod relative to the incident which occurred Wednesday evening at the United Center during the game between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060120/CGF021 )

Like all Bulls fans, Mike had the sole intent of enjoying the Bulls game and did not want or expect to be harassed or touched. More importantly, however, he did not want to be accused later of "being intoxicated" or inappropriately touching Mrs. Davis, when this is not true, and which has been corroborated by several witnesses and videotapes of the event.

It is for this reason that Mike felt that he had to clear his name and state his version of the incident to the media. No fan, who is mindfully watching a game, would like to have his name tarnished to his family, friends and the public, with statements which are untrue and defamatory. No fan wants to be intimidated while watching a basketball game.

Mike and the Axelrod family respect your skills as an athlete and share your love and passion for the game of basketball. They would rather move on from this incident, as I am sure you and your family would prefer.

It is with this in mind, that we make the offer to resolve any differences without the filing of a lawsuit, if you would issue a public apology, making it clear that Mike was not intoxicated and did not inappropriately touch anyone. We would also ask that you make a donation to an agreed upon charity that advocates against violence toward women and children.

I am hopeful that you will forward this on to your attorney, or spokesperson, and the Axelrod family is hopeful that this offer of resolution can put an end to the matter.

We would think that this will send a positive message and that all fans and players can have a civil and respectful relationship.

Sincerely,

Jay Paul Deratany

Source: prnewswire

All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.