Zach Randolph blocks alleged beating victim from disclosing records

Former Portland Trail Blazer Zach Randolph, concerned that information gathered for a $4 million civil lawsuit filed against him might be misused, obtained a protective order Monday to block public disclosure of confidential records.
The lawsuit was filed by James Beasely, a convicted drug dealer, who said he was on a late-night Willamette River charter cruise in August 2011 with Randolph and members of his entourage. Afterward, Beasely said he went to a party at Randolph's West Linn home to sell marijuana.
Beasely told police that he was jumped by several men who beat him with pool cues and stole his wallet. He claims that Randolph ordered the attack and that Randolph and his associates took his $1,000 watch, $750 earrings and $200 chain while Beasely was unconscious on the ground.

Beasely is suing Randolph in Clackamas County Circuit Court, seeking $4,046,356 in damages.
Randolph's attorney, Kevin Clonts, said in a court filing that given Randolph's fame and wealth -- he is one of the world's highest paid athletes --“ there is a concern that Beasely might attempt to use personal information to gain leverage in settlement negotiations or to tarnish Randolph's reputation.

As an NBA star, Randolph's basketball success "has translated into celebrity status," Clonts said in a court filing. "Randolph secured multiple contracts for globally recognized products ... all of which could be unnecessarily jeopardized by the publication of private information."
View full sizeThe party was held at Zach Randolph's gated home in West Linn. Everton Bailey Jr./The Oregonian

Given that Beasely is both a convicted and self-admitted drug dealer, "a legitimate concern exists that (Beasely) will use the discovery process in an attempt to embarrass, harass and besmirch the character of Randolph" to gain an advantage in settlement negotiations.
Clackamas County Presiding Judge Robert Herndon approved the protective order without comment.

The trial is scheduled for Nov. 6 but may be postponed the NBA season ends in July.
Beasely's attorney, Scott Kang, did not attend Monday's hearing. An attorney with Kang's law firm declined comment on the protective order and the lawsuit.
The court filing presents Randolph's first public comments on the confrontation that left Beasely battered.
Beasely was attempting to sell marijuana to Randolph the night of the altercation and "admitted he threw the first punch setting the wheels in motion," according to the request for a protective order.
The court filing also notes that the West Linn Police Department closed its investigation and no criminal charges were filed.
Randolph also singled out Beasely as the instigator.
Beasely was asked to leave Randolph's home after he "attempted to solicit a drug sale to Randolph for an inflated price because in (Beasely's) opinion Randolph was wealthy and could afford a higher price."
Beasely "punched another guest in the face while being escorted out" and admitted throwing the first punch, the filing said.
Randolph was not accused of participating in the beating.

-- Steve Mayes

http://www.oregonlive.com/west-linn/index.ssf/2013/10/post_28.html#incart_m-rpt-2

 

Let this be a lesson to everyone, if you lay down with gang banging dogs you'll get bit by money grubbing fleas.