Posted on 09/05/2002 9:02:55 AM PDT by mhking
SANTA ANA, Calif. - The 20-year-old former high school basketball star told the judge he smoked pot because it made him a better player. So the 42-year-old jurist challenged him to a game of one-on-one on a different court.
"I thought maybe he was kidding," said defendant Alvaro Alvarez, who accepted the challenge after he was charged with marijuana possession.
Superior Court Judge Marc Kelly sentenced Alvarez to attend drug abuse classes for the misdemeanor, then told him to return to court ready for a game.
On Tuesday, Alvarez proved he attended class. Then the judge stripped off his judicial robe and laced up his sneakers.
"You better not let him beat you," Alvarez's friends said.
Alvarez, who said he's been smoking pot since he was 10, added he wouldn't need the relaxing qualities he said marijuana provides to take on a player more than twice his age. After all, he was the defensive player of the year as a sophomore at Santa Ana Valley High School.
As he faced off against the judge outside the Orange County courthouse, Judge Steven L. Perk stepped up to referee and half dozen court employees made up the cheering section.
Although both players stood about 5-foot-10 and appeared physically fit, it was no contest.
In a game to see who could score the first 10 baskets, the judge slam-dunked the former high school star 10-3.
"Defensive player of the year, Alvarez? Come on," Kelly trash-talked at one point, then drove for two consecutive lay-ups. "The marijuana's getting to you, Alvarez. You're exhausted, aren't you?"
After the game, the two embraced.
"You surprise me," a winded Alvarez told the judge. "You are quicker than most of the guys I play with."
Perhaps that's because Kelly had played some ball himself, on a Notre Dame team that included future NBA players Orlando Woolridge and Bill Laimbeer.
"Lay off the marijuana," he admonished Alvarez.
"I might have to, because it's getting me tired," Alvarez replied.
Maybe his Honor clerked for Wizzer White?
WASHINGTON –– The Supreme Court building is home to two courts. There's the fancy place with red velvet curtains and robe-wearing justices and the one with bland concrete walls and backboards, where the attire is sweats and sneakers.From this AP story.
The punk was just cocky, and probably had no idea the judge had played college ball.
Thats what he was hoping for. The Judge is doing a full court press on his opponents in the next election. A little creative sentencing and presto, free publicity.
Love it...MUD
LOL
LOL!!
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