Bob Baffert sues players for racketeering, defamation
Horse trainer Bob Baffert is suing two New Jersey players who he accuses of threatening, extorting and defaming him through social media and text messages.
In a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday in San Diego, the six-time Kentucky Derby champion claims that Justin Windler and Daniel DiCorcia "engaged in escalating unlawful and threatening conduct specifically targeting Baffert and his family."
They also "urged others to commit violent acts against Baffert and his family, made baseless accusations of criminal conduct against Baffert and attempted to extort Baffert and his family by threatening his business, reputation and professional license," the lawsuit states. .”
The two men each have thousands of followers on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) under the handles @SwiftHitter (Wunderler) and @barshoelife (DiCorcia).
Since early September, they have publicly claimed possession of two hateful videos they said would "end Baffert," which they allegedly shared with an unnamed reporter.
Kentucky Derby Scandal
Vendler and DiCorcia's public accusations against Baffert are related to the 2021 Kentucky Derby doping scandal. After winning the race, Baffert's Medina Spirit failed a drug test and Baffert was ruled out of the race at Churchill Downs.
The 70-year-old categorically denies doping and claims the controversy stemmed from a betamethasone rash that showed up in the test after Medina Spirit was treated with a topical ointment.
Vendler is a plaintiff in a federal civil lawsuit against Baffert, alleging that the drug scandal caused him to lose gambling income.
The Kentucky Derby's controversy intensified when Medina Spirit died of a heart attack six months after the race. At least 74 horses have died at Baffert Stables since 2000.
Baffert's attorneys said in the lawsuit that they did not know the full contents of the video. However, they believe the videos were "fraudulently edited to portray Baffert and his associates in a false light with the specific intent of creating scandal, and the full context and nature of the videos would clearly rebut that characterization."
Clip Money
On Sept. 7, Wunderler sent a text message to a third party asking to be forwarded to Baffert's representatives, which was ultimately received by Baffert's wife, the lawsuit states.
My attorney now has the video,"it said."He wants to contact Baffert's attorney. He will attach two clips of the video to the message/email. Send clip payment to my PayPal account...Both clips cost $1,000. My attorney will discuss this with his attorney. After payment, clips and videos will be sent by tomorrow. "
Before the Belmont Championship in New York, Wanderer urged his social media followers to bring hazardous objects to the tournament to throw at Baffert and his family. Shortly after, he posted a photo of Baffert's home and claimed he was "killing horses on national television."
"I never asked Bob Baffert for money," Wandler said in a direct message to the San Diego Union-Tribune on X on Wednesday. "I want to do the best for horse racing.
"Bob Baffert continues to kill horses," he claimed.
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Source: www.casino.org
