Former Trenton boxer sues cops over crash
TRENTON » Former boxing great Sammy Goss has accused city police of hitting him with a low blow.
Well, according to the Trenton pugilist’s lawsuit, it was actually a head-on shot.
Inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, the 70-year-old Goss spoke to The Trentonian about his lawsuit on the doorsteps of his city home as his leashed-up pooch excitedly yelped.
To be sure, the civil complaint, naming several “John Doe” cops, hardly contains haymaker allegations but it is another body shot to the soft stomach of the already punch-drunk department.
U.S. District Court Judge Lois Goodman has ordered the parties to submit a “joint discovery plan” – covering documents and materials related to the case – ahead of a November court date.
Goss’ lawyer, R. David Blake, didn’t return a phone call requesting comment.
In court papers, he called a car chase of another vehicle that injured Goss “unlawful and improper” and a “willful and wanton disregard” of state law and polices guiding when police can pursue fleeing suspects.
The city, as is custom practice, doesn’t comment on pending litigation but in court papers denied the allegations and said cops “violated no legal duty” during a car chase.
Goss’ lawsuit accused police officers of being “careless and negligent.”
The former boxer was “violently tossed about” when his car was struck by the fleeing vehicle, and he was permanently injured, according to the lawsuit.
Goss was with his daughter, coming back from his family-operated Goss & Goss boxing gym on June 22, 2015, when a car being chased by Trenton police collided with them headon while they were on Oakland Street, in the eastbound lane.
Goss said he was “halfasleep” in the passenger’s side when the vehicle struck him. He said he suffered injuries all about his body and felt like he had just went 12 rounds with a heavyweight hitter. “We wound up on the curb,” he said. “I was out of it.” Goss and his daughter had to go to the hospital, and stayed overnight for observation. His daughter suffered a torn-up leg. Goss and his wife, Sharon, notified the city of their intent to sue in 2015. They delivered on that promise in July of this year. And the case, filed in Mercer County Superior Court, was moved to federal court at the city’s request. Goss, who walked slowly toward the door of his home, said he hardly reads the newspaper so he hasn’t seen controversial headlines involving city cops. “I been minding my own business,” he said. The lawsuit said Goss incurred extensive medical costs and the wreck “incapacitated” him from working as a boxing trainer. He said he’s missed training and punching the bag. “I haven’t been to [the gym] in a while,” he said. “Been too tired.” Goss, a five-time Golden Gloves champ and former Olympian, bought a heavy bag to put up at his house but has been unable to install it. He wants damages, attorney fees and a jury trial for the pain and suffering he’s experienced outside the ring.