Three Men Arraigned for Assaults after Celtics Game
BOSTON, June 2, 2021— Three men faced arraignment today for assaults committed during Sunday’s playoff game at TD Garden between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets.
“No one who would take these types of actions has any business identifying themselves as fans of the game,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Purchasing a ticket does not buy you a free pass for obnoxious, racist or assaultive behavior. The cost of admission affords you the privilege of attending the game. The cost of abusing that privilege through criminal behavior is prosecution.”
During proceedings today in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court, COLE BUCKLEY, 21, of Braintree was arraigned on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly throwing a water bottle that allegedly struck a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Prosecutors objected to a motion filed by Mr. Buckley’s defense attorney to continue the arraignment to take advantage of pre-arraignment diversion, thereby attempting to avoid officially having an entry on this criminal record. The judge agreed that diversion prior to arraignment was not appropriate in this case and continued bail at $500. Mr. Buckley was ordered to stay away from TD Garden.
Mr. Buckley allegedly threw a water bottle in the direction of a group of Nets players as they exited the basketball court after a win over the Boston Celtics. The bottle grazed the head of one of the players, Kyrie Irving. Security staff for both TD Garden and the Nets witnessed the incident and it was captured on camera.
“Imagine if a stranger showed up at your job and threw a water bottle at your head,” District Attorney Rollins said. “We have mandated civility and sportsmanship in all youth sports, yet condone profanity-laced chants and a ‘Shut Up and Dribble’ mentality for certain professional sports and athletes? There is a growing and disturbing trend in the NBA of players being physically and verbally assaulted with profanity and blatantly racist statements. That behavior is completely unacceptable. When these type of acts rise to the level of criminal offenses, the individuals who commit these offenses can and should expect to face prosecution. This is an unprovoked act of workplace violence against Kyrie Irving and the police officer.”
Also arraigned today was WILLIAM LEITE, 35, of North Oxford, on charges of assault and battery on a police officer and other offenses committed at TD Garden during the same playoff game. His bail was set at $200, which he previously posted. He was ordered to stay away from TD Garden and from the officer he is charged with assaulting.
Prosecutors told the court that Mr. Leite became unruly by attempting to start a fight with Nets fans. TD Garden security staff were forced to summon a Boston Police officer for assistance escorting Mr. Leite out of the venue. Upon being informed he would need to leave the building, Mr. Leite attempted to run away and physically assaulted the officer. He was placed under arrest with the assistance of TD Garden security staff.
MICHAEL OLIVER, 23, of Gloucester was also arraigned today on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer and other offenses. Bail of $100, which was posted after Mr. Oliver’s arrest, remained in place and he was ordered to stay away from TD Garden and from the officer he is accused of assaulting.
Mr. Oliver was ejected from the stadium for unruly behavior and became involved in a verbal argument with security staff outside. After repeatedly refusing orders of a Boston Police officer to leave the area, the officer attempted to place Mr. Oliver under arrest. Mr. Oliver is charged with assaulting the officer during an ensuing struggle.
Mr. Buckley returns to court August 5, 2021. Mr. Leite is scheduled to appear in court on August 18, 2021. Mr. Oliver’s next court date is schedule to take place on August 23, 2021.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.