Digest

This episode of "Crime in Sports" dives deep into the story of Ruben "Hurricane" Carter, a former middleweight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1966. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the podcast and its hosts, James Petrogallum and Jimmy Wiseman, who express their excitement for part two of their discussion about Carter's case. The hosts then delve into Carter's boxing career, highlighting his comeback attempts and the challenges he faced. They discuss his fights against Fate Davis, Lewis L Feyo Rodriguez, and Joe "Ax Killer" Nadeegi, among others. They also explore Carter's troubled past, including his time in a reformatory and his strained relationship with his father, who turned him in for stealing polo shirts. The episode then transitions to the events leading up to Carter's arrest, focusing on the tragic shooting at the Lafayette Grill in Paterson, New Jersey, where two men were killed and two others were injured. The hosts detail Carter's activities on the night of the shooting, including his dinner with his wife and his distinctive outfit. They also introduce John Artis, a friend of Carter's who was also present at the Lafayette Grill. The hosts discuss the relationship between Carter and Artis, highlighting the conflicting accounts of their level of acquaintance. They also explore Carter's activism and his views on race relations. The episode then recounts Carter's activities on the night of the shooting, including his search for guns and his encounter with John Artis at the Lafayette Grill. They also provide details about the shooting itself and the victims. The episode then examines the police investigation into the murders, highlighting the numerous inconsistencies and errors in the investigation, including the failure to take fingerprints, photograph tire skid marks, or collect gunshot residue. The hosts introduce the two main suspects in the case, Ruben Carter and John Artis, and discuss the circumstances surrounding their arrest and the evidence against them. The episode covers the trial of Carter and Artis, highlighting the inconsistencies in the evidence presented at trial and the lack of forensic evidence linking the defendants to the murders. The episode then explores the life of Ruben Carter, a boxer who was convicted of murder. The episode discusses Carter's troubled past, his boxing career, and his time in prison. The episode concludes with a discussion about the aftermath of the trial and the impact of the case on Ruben Carter's life. The episode highlights the inconsistencies in the evidence and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice. The hosts also discuss Carter's book, "16th Round from Number One Contender," which was published in 1974, and how the movie adaptation significantly increased its popularity. The episode ends with a preview of next week's episode, which will focus on the Duke lacrosse disaster, a controversial case involving accusations of sexual assault. The hosts highlight the complexities and contradictions of the case, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster it represents.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Ruben Carter's Story

The episode introduces the podcast and its hosts, James Petrogallum and Jimmy Wiseman, who express their excitement for part two of their discussion about Ruben "Hurricane" Carter's case. They delve into Carter's boxing career, highlighting his comeback attempts and the challenges he faced. They also explore Carter's troubled past, including his time in a reformatory and his strained relationship with his father.

00:16:51

The Lafayette Grill Shooting and the Investigation

The episode focuses on the tragic shooting at the Lafayette Grill in Paterson, New Jersey, where two men were killed and two others were injured. The hosts detail Carter's activities on the night of the shooting, including his dinner with his wife and his distinctive outfit. They also introduce John Artis, a friend of Carter's who was also present at the Lafayette Grill. The hosts discuss the relationship between Carter and Artis, highlighting the conflicting accounts of their level of acquaintance. They also explore Carter's activism and his views on race relations. The episode then examines the police investigation into the murders, highlighting the numerous inconsistencies and errors in the investigation, including the failure to take fingerprints, photograph tire skid marks, or collect gunshot residue.

01:15:09

The Trial and the Aftermath

The episode covers the trial of Ruben Carter and John Artis, highlighting the inconsistencies in the evidence presented at trial and the lack of forensic evidence linking the defendants to the murders. The episode then explores the life of Ruben Carter, a boxer who was convicted of murder. The episode discusses Carter's troubled past, his boxing career, and his time in prison. The episode concludes with a discussion about the aftermath of the trial and the impact of the case on Ruben Carter's life. The episode highlights the inconsistencies in the evidence and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice. The hosts also discuss Carter's book, "16th Round from Number One Contender," which was published in 1974, and how the movie adaptation significantly increased its popularity.

01:59:53

Rubin Carter's Appeal and Current Situation

The episode focuses on Rubin Carter's appeal in federal court, emphasizing his innocence and the inconsistencies in the case against him. He highlights the lack of evidence and the fact that the description of the killers didn't match him or his co-defendant. Rubin describes the current prison environment and how he feels isolated from the inmates. He contrasts the current generation of inmates with those he grew up committing crimes with, suggesting a difference in their values and priorities. Rubin shares his experience with being labeled a "white people hater" and a "cop hater" throughout his life. He challenges this perception by highlighting his friendships with white people and police officers. Rubin discusses the public's perception of his case, highlighting the belief that he might have been "shafted" but also the possibility that he committed the crime. He expresses frustration with the lack of certainty and the consequences of being wrongly convicted. Rubin describes the mentality of those who refuse to help him, comparing it to seeing a lion in a cage. He feels that people are more comfortable keeping him imprisoned, even if he's innocent, because it's safer for them. Rubin shares the emotional toll of his imprisonment on his family, particularly his daughter. He describes the pain of his daughter realizing his absence and the limitations placed on family visits, including the inability to bring Christmas presents. Rubin expresses his frustration with people who visit him in prison without offering any help. He emphasizes his desire for support in getting out of prison rather than simply talking to him. He plans to spend Christmas reading law books in his cell, viewing it as just another day.

02:07:41

Preview of Next Week's Episode: The Duke Lacrosse Disaster

The hosts announce that next week's episode will focus on the Duke lacrosse disaster, a controversial case involving accusations of sexual assault. They highlight the complexities and contradictions of the case, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster it represents. The hosts acknowledge their executive producers and give shout outs to listeners who have supported the show. They express gratitude for their contributions and highlight the importance of their support. The hosts read a long list of patrons who support the show, thanking them for their contributions. They highlight the diverse backgrounds and interests of their listeners, emphasizing the community they have built.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the challenges Ruben Carter faced in his boxing career?

  Carter faced numerous challenges, including a string of losses, injuries, and financial difficulties. His manager's decision to schedule fights too close together also contributed to his struggles.

• How did Ruben Carter's past experiences shape his character?

  Carter's time in a reformatory and his strained relationship with his father had a profound impact on his outlook on life. He developed a sense of distrust and resentment towards authority figures.

• What was the significance of hair in the 1960s?

  Hair was a powerful symbol of identity and rebellion in the 1960s. It was used to express individuality, challenge societal norms, and make a statement about one's beliefs.

• What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting at the Lafayette Grill?

  The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of June 17, 1966. Two men entered the bar, one carrying a shotgun and the other a pistol. They killed the bartender and a patron, and injured two others.

• What was the evidence against Ruben Carter and John Artis?

  The evidence against Carter and Artis was largely circumstantial, and there was no forensic evidence linking them to the murders. The episode highlights the inconsistencies in the evidence presented at trial and the lack of forensic evidence linking the defendants to the murders.

• What was the outcome of the trial of Ruben Carter and John Artis?

  Carter and Artis were both found guilty of murder, despite the lack of strong evidence against them. The episode discusses the inconsistencies in the evidence presented at trial and the lack of forensic evidence linking the defendants to the murders.

• What was Ruben Carter's life like before and after his conviction?

  Carter had a troubled past, marked by violence and time spent in prison. He was a successful boxer, but his life took a dramatic turn after his conviction. The episode discusses Carter's troubled past, his boxing career, and his time in prison.

• What was the impact of the case on Ruben Carter's life?

  The case had a profound impact on Carter's life, as he spent nearly 20 years in prison before being exonerated. The episode highlights the inconsistencies in the evidence and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice.

• What are the main arguments Rubin Carter uses to support his claim of innocence?

  Rubin argues that the description of the killers doesn't match him or his co-defendant, that he passed a lie detector test, and that there's a lack of evidence connecting him to the crime.

Show Notes