Islanders Promo for Convicted Ex-NYPD Officer Angers Victim's Family
The New York Islanders hockey team faces significant backlash after displaying a jumbotron promotion during a home game to raise funds for Erik Duran, a former NYPD sergeant recently convicted of manslaughter. Duran was sentenced to three to nine years in prison for throwing a cooler at Eric Duprey, a suspect fleeing arrest, which caused a fatal scooter crash in 2023. The promotion, organized with the Sergeants Benevolent Association, featured Duran’s photo and a QR code for legal defense donations, with a portion of raffle proceeds also directed to the cause. Vincent Vallelong, the union president, defended the initiative as a private organizational choice, comparing it to military tributes. However, Jon Roberts, an attorney for Duprey’s family, expressed deep distress, stating the act undermines confidence in the legal process and exacerbates the family's grief. This incident marks a rare instance of an NYPD officer facing prison time for an on-duty death, sparking fierce protests from police supporters who argue the conviction jeopardizes public safety. The NHL has not yet commented on the controversy surrounding the fundraiser.
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Islanders Promo for Convicted Ex-NYPD Officer Angers Victim's Family
The New York Islanders hockey team faces significant backlash after displaying a jumbotron promotion during a home game to raise funds for Erik Duran, a former NYPD sergeant recently convicted of manslaughter. Duran was sentenced to three to nine years in prison for throwing a cooler at Eric Duprey, a suspect fleeing arrest, which caused a fatal scooter crash in 2023. The promotion, organized with the Sergeants Benevolent Association, featured Duran’s photo and a QR code for legal defense donations, with a portion of raffle proceeds also directed to the cause. Vincent Vallelong, the union president, defended the initiative as a private organizational choice, comparing it to military tributes. However, Jon Roberts, an attorney for Duprey’s family, expressed deep distress, stating the act undermines confidence in the legal process and exacerbates the family's grief. This incident marks a rare instance of an NYPD officer facing prison time for an on-duty death, sparking fierce protests from police supporters who argue the conviction jeopardizes public safety. The NHL has not yet commented on the controversy surrounding the fundraiser.
AP News