Ravens Fan Still Recovering From Life-Altering Brain Injury
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Jessup man continues to fight for his life after being severely beaten at the Ravens-Raiders home game earlier this month. Two men have been charged with carrying out the attack.
Joseph Bauer was in line at the concession stand when he let someone cut ahead of him. Witnesses saying the move didn't sit well with Andrew Nappi and Scott Smith -- two Raiders fans from New York. Sparks began to fly.
Charging documents obtained by WJZ say at some point in the scuffle, Bauer threw a plastic bottle, which led to punches being thrown.
"That verbal altercation became physical, and at some point, the victim was on the ground, where he struck his head and lost consciousness," said Lt. Jarron Jackson, Baltimore City Police Department.
The City State's Attorney's Office tells WJZ apart from initial assault charges, the duo has also been charged with conspiracy to commit assault and reckless endangerment.
In a statement to WJZ, Bauer's sister says her brother is slowly recovering at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute with a serious and life-changing brain injury that will forever leave him with some level of disability.
She goes on to say: "We do not wish to publicly comment on the case... We believe the charges in the indictment are well supported by the facts and evidence. We prefer to have this matter resolved in the courts."
WJZ has learned that Smith, a New York firefighter, has been suspended.
"All I can say is that we're surprised and saddened," said Al Everett, Mount Vernon Fire Chief.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also tackled the issue, calling the whole thing inexcusable.
Attorneys for both men tell our media partner, The Baltimore Sun, there may be more to the story than meets the eye and wish Bauer a speedy recovery.
Bauer's sister tells WJZ her brother is on 24-hour supervision and care.
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