Basketball Star's Sentence Reduced: From Domestic Violence to Negligence

Court Re-evaluates Case, Downgrading Charges and Sentencing

A recent court decision has altered the original sentencing in a case involving a prominent American-born athlete based in Taiwan. The ruling changed the charge from domestic violence to negligence resulting in injury.

The legal proceedings stemmed from an incident that occurred following a disagreement concerning a family matter. The incident took place in May of the previous year.

Initially, the athlete was found guilty of domestic violence, resulting in a sentence that could have been commuted to a fine. The athlete maintained his innocence and appealed the ruling to a higher court.

After reviewing the case, the higher court panel of judges determined that the athlete's actions, while involving physical contact, were not intentional. It was concluded that he had attempted to prevent his former partner from leaving during an argument by grabbing her from behind, seemingly without the intention to cause physical harm.

The court also noted the brief duration of the incident and the minor nature of the injury sustained, further supporting the conclusion that there was no intent to harm. The judges emphasized that the athlete, due to his physical size, should have been aware of the potential for inadvertent injury and should have released his ex-partner when she attempted to leave.

The court determined that the athlete's failure to anticipate the possibility of injury constituted negligence. The court agreed with the athlete's argument against the initial charge of assault.

Based on the revised findings, the court reduced the original sentence. The new sentence is a shorter period which also can be commuted to a reduced fine.