Milwaukee Journalist, A.J. Bayatpour, Cuts Deal In Milwaukee Brewers Ballpark Fight
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A television journalist has cut a legal deal after he punched a reporter from another station, at a Brewers baseball game. Former WITI-TV reporter Adair "A.J." Bayatpour would avoid a felony record under the agreement.
Bayatpour was charged with battery for an incident at Miller Park in April. Police say he broke the nose of another man who was demanding an apology to his fiancee.
According to published reports, Bayatpour had been critical of his colleague Madeline Anderson, while they were watching a game at Miller Park against the Chicago Cubs. Anderson's boyfriend, Ben Jordan, a reporter for WTMJ-TV, defended her. During the ensuing argument, Bayatpour punched Jordan.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Bayatpour pleaded guilty Thursday, but the judge withheld conviction.
If Bayatpour follows the terms of the deal, prosecutors will amend the charge to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.
Defense attorney Julius Kim says Bayatpour felt threatened when he instinctively struck first at the other reporter.
But the victim disputes the defense suggestion that he shared any blame for the fight.
