Jets' Robinson Faces Weapons Charge

ESPN.com | 10-16-01 | A.P.

[kjam22]

Tuesday, October 16
Jets' Robinson faces weapons charge
Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Damien Robinson of the New York Jets was charged with possession of an assault rifle found in his car as he entered Giants Stadium.

The arrest took place several hours before the Jets beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Robinson, a free safety, played in the game and was arraigned afterward.

Robinson could face up to five years in prison if convicted. He was released Sunday night on $7,500 bail, and the matter will be turned over to the prosecutor.

It was not clear why Robinson was carrying the assault weapon and ammunition in his sport utility vehicle.

Jets spokesman Frank Ramos said Tuesday the team will "let legal action take its course."

The players were off Monday and Tuesday, and Robinson was unavailable for comment. A message was left with his agent, James Gould.

Robinson was entering the players' parking lot at about 10 a.m. with his family when police searched his car, a procedure that has been in place for players, team and game officials and media since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, State Police Sgt. Al Della Fave said Tuesday.

A bomb-sniffing dog checked the vehicle, and "he reacted positively to the presence of explosives" in the back of the car, Della Fave said. Robinson then told authorities he had a rifle, clips and ammunition in the back, Della Fave said.

Police found a Bushmaster .223 assault rifle, three high-capacity magazines that hold 30 rounds each, and two boxes of ammunition containing 100 rounds each.

The rifle and the magazines are illegal under a 1990 state law that bans the sale and possession of many kinds of automatic weapons.

[kjam22]

Note to self.... "Take the assualt rifle out of the trunk before going to this weeks OU vs Baylor game."

[1Old Pro]

The rifle and the magazines are illegal under a 1990 state law that bans the sale and possession of many kinds of automatic weapons.

When guns are outlawed we turn honest law abiding citizens into criminals.

[NittanyLion]

An "assault" rifle. As opposed to a "normal" rifle. I'm glad I received this clarification, because clearly possessing an "assault rifle" makes Robinson a bad, bad man.

[1Old Pro]

Robinson could face up to five years in prison if convicted. He was released Sunday night on $7,500 bail, and the matter will be turned over to the prosecutor.

Talk about excessively going overboard. Sheesh, rapists and murderers get less time in jail.

[kjam22]

At least they can't link him to a white racistis militia camp. :)

[OWK]

Damien Robinson of the New York Jets was charged with possession of an assault rifle found in his car as he entered Giants Stadium.

Under the circumstances of these days, it would seem quite reasonable to me for an individual (particularly a high profile public figure going to a public event) to be transporting a firearm in his trunk.

The state steps on the 2nd yet again.

[AlKipple]

the bushmaster is semi automatic, not an automatic wepon.

[Sloth]

.223? Yeah, that's some awesome 'assault' firepower, there.

[Space Wrangler]

The rifle and the magazines are illegal under a 1990 state law that bans the sale and possession of many kinds of automatic weapons.

Unbelievable. These are items that I can readily purchase here in TN, and this guy is facing 5 yrs for it in NY. I fingered a Bushmaster a couple of weeks ago at a local shooter's supply, and 30 rd. clips are a dime a dozen at area shops. What a world we live in.

[ZOOKER]

Robinson, a free safety

For how long?

[kjam22]

maybe a FREE agent soon?

[1Old Pro]

At least they can't link him to a white racistis militia camp. :)

No, but they can still expose him as a church goer or, gasp, perhaps even an occasional Smoker.

[snooker]

>the bushmaster is semi automatic, not an automatic wepon.

Wouldn't it be nice if that were all the lamestream media lied about?

snooker

[general_re]

These are items that I can readily purchase here in TN, and this guy is facing 5 yrs for it in NY.

Actually, he's facing 5 years in New Jersey, where Giants stadium is. As awful as it is living in New York state, I know that I can always count on the fine officials of New Jersey to do their damndest to make New York look good in comparison ;)

[DoctorHydrocal]

At least Robinson has good taste in weapons. His boyz back in da Hood have SKS and MAK-90 rifles. Clearly evidence of "movin' on up to the big time..."

[Capt_Hank]

The Peoples Republic of New Jersey is bad news for gun owners. This guy is in big trouble. I'm going to follow this case and see if money wins out. I know some guys that got into big trouble by not registering their AR15's.

[Dog Gone]

In Texas, you can be arrested for NOT carrying a rifle in your pickup. They'll let you off, though, as long as you have a shotgun.

[csvset]

Not to worry. The NFL is a powerful crime syndicate. He's a made guy. He'll be okay. /sarcasm

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The is what the Clintons had in mind for all of us.

[wheezer]

...the bushmaster is semi automatic, not an automatic wepon.

You know that, and I know that...but in the NY metro area to most people it does not matter.

IT'S A GUN!!!!

Recently during a bar discussion, I reminded a young woman that the hijackings were not done with guns, but with knives.

"Not knives", she corrected me, but rather "box cutters"...which she then declared to be much more dangerous than knives.

"You mean to tell me the same result could not have been achieved with steak knives?"...I asked.

"No, it could not" she stated...and walked out quickly.