Leominster Police Chief Wants Officer Fired Over Crawford Racial Slur
LEOMINSTER (CBS) — The Leominster Police Chief wants an officer accused of aiming racial slurs at Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford fired.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports.
Podcast
Officer John Perrault allegedly called Crawford a "Monday," a seldom-used racial slur, during a minor league game in New Hampshire on July 5.
He was placed on leave last week ahead of a disciplinary hearing Wednesday morning.
"I suggest termination to be the sole and appropriate discipline," Police Chief Robert Healey said to the small gathering.
Perrault, who did not speak at the hearing, insisted through his lawyer that his comments had no racial connotation.
"It was never intended as a racial slur. It was intended to disparage a ballplayer who was having a bad stretch, not hitting the ball, and a fan simply criticizing him," said Perrault's attorney Joe Sandulli.
Perrault, though, has been accused of making racially insensitive remarks in the past it was revealed Wednesday.
He allegedly bragged about heckling Crawford on his Facebook page and surrounded the post with other racial slurs.
During the investigation into Perrault's alleged remarks, other officers said they often heard him use the "n-word" repeatedly to describe black basketball players while watching a game on TV.
It was also revealed that Perrault allegedly made a derogatory racial remark at a bar on St. Patrick's Day, nearly causing a fight.
At Wednesday's hearing, Chief Healey argued that Perrault's alleged history of racially disparaging remarks should lead to his termination.
"I believe Officer Perrault's actions and comments violate department rules. His comments were repugnant and violate the standard of excellence we expect from all Leominster police officers," he said.
Crawford is looking to move past the incident. "I'm not pleased with being called that name, I'm trying to put it behind me," he said Wednesday.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller spoke with Crawford
Podcast
The Leominster mayor has 48 hours to reach a decision on whether to fire Perrault. A decision was not likely to be made on Wednesday.
If he is further disciplined or fired, Perrault has 10 days to file an appeal.
