... it is Garth's assertion, that he was solicited under false pretenses, that was backed by the jury and the court's judgement. Who's looking like the bully now Mr. 'we'll spend your money however we like, without further discussion!'?!
Tuesday evening, jurors decided that Yukon, Oklahoma's; Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital was guilty in the breach of contract case and not only owes Garth his original $500,000 donation but also another $500,000 in punitive damages.
According to EW.com, juror Beverly Lacy said that she felt the hospital went back on its word and the hefty punitive damages award was levied to send a message, "We wanted to show them not to do that anymore to anyone else."
Integris spokesperson, Hardy Watkins said, "Obviously we are disappointed, particularly with the jury's decision to award damages above and beyond the $500,000. We're just glad to see the case come to a resolution." (Yeah, what's a cool $mil. to you guys, eh? No probs.)
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During the case, Garth took the stand and testified that in 2005, then hospital president, James Moore had suggested they put the Colleen Brooks name on an intensive care unit but Garth didn't think that would quite fit his late mom. When Moore suggested a women's centre, Garth said, "I jumped all over it. It's my mom," He told the court through his tears, "My mom was pregnant as a teenager. She had a rough start. She wanted to help every kid out there."
For his part Garth says the verdict brings him peace, "I no longer feel like I'm crazy." He went on to call the jurors "heroes" for helping him with his fight for his mother's honour.
You may not have had a seat in the juror's box but your vote is always welcome here...
By TwitterButtons.net
Love it.Good to see them exposed and eating humble pie.
Posted by: Larry | 01/26/2012 at 11:30 AM
You people don't understand the politics of this decision. Because the hospital had the word "Canadian" in it, it brought to light the anger that many Americans feel towards Canada because of 9-11. Many American STILL BELIEVE that the bombers came through Canada, which they DID NOT! So, the decision sent a message: "We oppose anything Canadian." So, Garth (America) won the court case.
Posted by: Andy_Friesen | 01/26/2012 at 10:13 AM
Good for him. He will probably turn around and give it to someone else anyway.
Posted by: Rachel | 01/26/2012 at 05:44 AM
@Yukonite... I hear what you're saying but, from everything I know about Garth Brooks, he is nothing if not generous to a fault. The other thing I know is that tears, alone, don't win court cases. You're right, I don't know all of the facts, no one knows them 'all' (except those that were there) but the court of law and the jury's job is to hear all evidence and make the best decision based on what is presented. I admit, I'm biased, I love Garth and I wanted him to win (I'm also writing this far away from where it all went down) but I have to believe that the court ruling was made by taking more than just tears into consideration. I do agree with Jessica that the $$ for damages should come out of the personal accounts of those in charge of breaching the contract instead of from hospital foundation funds. Also, I bet Garth will plow all of that money, and then some, into getting that women's centre built for his mother. Hopefully the community will be the big winners in the long run.
Posted by: Leanne | 01/25/2012 at 09:33 PM
I completely agree!! However the sad fact is it doesn't punish the lying jerk in the story just the patients and staff that will lose the million. It should be forced to come out of the former hosp presidents pocket
Posted by: Jessica | 01/25/2012 at 09:22 PM
Great news!
Posted by: Dawn | 01/25/2012 at 09:10 PM