In an election year (though the DA is not running for office, I do not think), it is hard not to be tough on crime. General consensus by the hopeful is that the DA is making a massive public indictment for political purposes, and now the negotiations begin for a plea agreement on lesser charges.

There is no real question of guilt. Heatley's lawyer has suggested there may have been outside influences such as brake failure or an accidental deployment of air bags, but this is almost certainly smoke. It might have been possible to (and I am sure the lawyers pushed for) a settlement on the original charge last October that tied Heatley to the system, but it would have seen like going soft on a professional athlete.

Fuskie
Who wonders if the likelyhood of a season cancellation may play a factor in whether pushing for a quick settlement or delayed trial...