Throughout sports history, there have been so many lawsuits filed for everything from illegal drug use, to rape, to even throwing beer at basketball players. But never has there been a lawsuit filed regarding misconduct of hot dogs. That is, not until John Coomer recently filed one on Feb. 8, 2010 against Major League Baseball Team, the Kansas City Royals.

Coomer attended the Royals vs. Tigers game on Sept. 9, 2009 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Royals fan sat six rows behind the third base dugout, a popular spot in the stadium where fans hoping to catch a foul ball tend to sit. Unfortunately for him, a foul ball wasn’t exactly what was being served up at the moment.

The Royals’ mascot “Sluggerrr” the lion, in all innocent entertainment, stood up on the third base dugout and started firing hot dogs into the crowd with a gun-like instrument. He then resorted to simply chucking the hot dogs into the crowd with his hands and lost control of his throw, nailing John Cooper directly in the left eye with a hot dog.

The hot dog detached Cooper’s retina as well as caused cataracts to form. He has since undergone two surgeries and claims that, “his vision is now permanently impaired,” and believes that he is now, “at greater risk for future eye problems.”

Instead of being a true Royals fan and forgiving the lovable lion for his mistake, Cooper is now suing the team for negligence and battery and seeking over $25,000.00 in damages. His lawsuit’s main argument is that Kansas City has, “failed to adequately train its agents in the proper method in which to throw hot dogs into the stands at Kauffman Stadium.”

While this lawsuit is still in progress, until a verdict has been settled, the entertainment at Kauffman stadium will have to be watered down a bit. In other words, Sluggerrr’s throwing days could possibly be at an official end. Which, if you think about it, is quite sad seeing as shooting hot dogs at people is just a fun part of the entertainment provided at Kauffman Stadium.

Yes, Sluggerrr should definitely be more careful especially since this incident has occurred. But in all honesty, is “failing to adequately train agents in the proper method in which to throw hot dogs into stands” really a legitimate argument in a lawsuit? I’m thinking not. Furthermore, I highly doubt that “hot dog throwing” is even a portion of training that mascots endure while applying for the job. Let’s be real here.

What this all boils down to is that Sluggerrr made a mistake and hurt an innocent fan. But it’s still highly uncalled for and over the top for Coomer to sue the entire team over it. It’s not like the team authoritive figures wouldn’t have obliged him in some way for his troubles. But the guy who was supposed to be a Royals fan had to go on and sue them. Now that’s low.

So congratulations, John Coomer. I hope you enjoy whatever you may win in this lawsuit because in the end, is it really that big of a deal? One thing is for sure, your social status with your fellow Royals fans will plummet. I sure hope it’s worth it.