Jul 24, 2008 7:31 pm US/Eastern
Man Alleges Brutal Attack By Security At Joel Show
Bryan & Wendy Siegel Say Unjustified Assault Bordered On 'Sadism,' Continued Once Removed From Shea
Wife Says Husband's Face Slammed Into Metal I Beam
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
It was supposed to be the quintessential New York evening – Billy Joel playing the final concert at Shea Stadium.
But the summer night turned ugly for a New Jersey couple after an alleged assault by security guards. An assault they say was not only brutal but entirely unjustified.
Pictures show some of the injuries Bryan Siegel says he suffered after he tried to help an elderly couple who had spilled beer on them. He says security guards suddenly turned on him and began punching him in the stomach and choking him, even though he offered no resistance.
"I went limp and I said, 'I'm not resisting,'" Siegel told CBS 2 HD.
His wife said she watched helplessly.
"I was watching as hands were on his throat," Wendy Siegel said. "I could hear him gagging as they were choking him.
Even worse, Bryan Siegel said, they appeared to be enjoying themselves.
"The impression I got from the entire situation was sadism," Bryan Siegel said. "This is the part of the job they loved the most."
Bryan Siegel said he was dragged out of the stadium, but the couple added the attack did not stop there.
"Now they slam his face forward into a metal I beam – repeatedly," Wendy Siegel said. "I keep seeing fists at him and keep seeing and hearing them choke my husband."
The Siegels' attorney said the incident mars the historic nature of the final concert at Shea.
"This is not what Shea Stadium should be remembered for," Sanford Rubenstein said. "It's an incident that never should have happened."
Bryan Siegel, who said he has not been able to work since the incident, said he has enjoyed many ball games and other events at Shea in the past.
"I've always had the impression they're there to protect you but they're not," Bryan Siegel said.
The Siegels plan on filing a lawsuit against the city, Shea Stadium and the company that provided the security. A spokesman for the city they do not comment on pending litigation. A spokesman for the Mets said they had no report on the matter, but were looking into it.
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