HOUSTON (AP) - A former Houston Astros pitcher is seeking up to $15 million for injuries he says were caused by Galveston police officers in 2008.
Brandon Backe testified in federal court Tuesday that the beating by officers ended his baseball career. He says he can no longer use his right arm for such simple tasks as tucking in a shirt.
Backe in his lawsuit says he and others were beaten during a wedding party at an outdoor bar. A Houston newspaper reports that police argue the accusations are exaggerated and any force used during a confrontation with party-goers was justified.
Backe was part of an Astros rotation that helped lead the team to the 2005 World Series, where they lost to the Chicago White Sox.
