CBS Sports on Michelle Wie’s Parents’ dorm requests, Arjun Atwal case still pending

Two golf news items from CBS Sports today: first, this disturbing revelation that Michelle Wie’s parents actually thought they could tell Stanford University what’s what on Michelle’s college dorm life; second, the Arjun Atwal speedracing case is NOT closed, but is still being processed by Florida officials.

Remember, Michelle’s parents actually bought a home near Stanford so they could interfere, screw up her life further, domineer, decide who she could have as friends, freak out when she has a beer, be closer to her. Unbelievable. As an entertainment lawyer, when the parents try to involve themselves in the kid’s career as an entertainer, I show them the door. They make a terrible mess of everything and undo the work of the entire team.
Here’s my opinion on Atwal:

Legal Experts Split on Possible Prosecution of Golfer Arjun Atwal

Legal Experts disagree on whether the Florida State Attorney’s Office will prosecute Professional Golfer Arjun Atwal in connection with the death of 48 year-old businessman John Noah Park. Park died in a horrific high-speed crash while allegedly engaged in a drag race with Atwal on County Route 535 outside Orlando. The Florida Highway Patrol estimates both cars were traveling over ninety miles per hour. Park’s Mercedes-Benz coupe disintegrated upon colliding with a tree; the violent impact flung one of the car’s axles into the highest branches.

“Just because the Florida Highway Patrol ruled Park’s death a vehicular homicide and sent the case to the State Attorney’s does not necessarily mean Atwal will be charged” noted Long Island criminal and civil attorney Charles Cordova. “This is a tough case to prove as one witness is dead and the other was in a different car and cannot testify as to the degree of care Park took in operating his vehicle. Atwal may have been engaged in a dangerous activity, but Park also had a duty to act reasonably. They may decline to prosecute simply because Park was ultimately responsible for his own actions.”

Attorney Christopher Glass disagreed. “I think it bodes ill for Atwal that the FHP chose to classify Park’s death as vehicular homicide. That’s a signal to the prosecuting attorney’s that the crash investigators think Atwal’s conduct contributed to Park’s death to such a degree that he should at least stand trial. Plus there are other social issues in play. For example, the State Attorney’s Office might not want to appear to be affording preferential treatment to professional athletes.” The State Attorney’s office is expected to decide whether or not to file charges within thirty to sixty days.

Atwal lost his PGA TOUR card and will split time this year between the European Tour and the Nationwide Tour. He will spend the next five weeks in Asia before returning to the U.S.