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Chief blames 'knuckleheads' for Lakers disturbance

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-16 14:21

LOS ANGELES - Looting and vandalism that broke out in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball championship won't keep the city from celebrating the team's victory: City officials and the Lakers are planning a victory parade they hope will overshadow unrest which the police chief blames on a mob of "knuckleheads."

Police were reviewing security video and media images Monday to identify suspects who caused damage downtown the night before. Police Chief William Bratton said many known gang members were in the crowd.

"These knuckleheads seem to really relish their opportunity in the dark," Bratton said.

Firefighters put out a fire lit by supporters in the trunk of a car after the Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA Championship, in Los Angeles June 14, 2009. [Agencies]

A parade was being planned for Wednesday. City officials were meeting Monday afternoon to plan for security along the parade route and a rally to be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed that the team and the city will kick in about $1 million apiece for the party. Citing the city's financial crisis, unions representing police, traffic officers, street and sanitation workers demanded the Lakers or other private groups pay for it.

Bratton didn't know how much the parade would cost, but he said the team and members of the business community planned to provide financial assistance. The cost will depend on the number of city workers needed.

"Some of what is being planned will be informed by what happened last night," the chief said, referring to Sunday's disturbance.

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Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told KTLA-TV he has already raised several hundred thousand dollars from private donators and the city "will not put in a million dollars" for the event.

Fans eagerly buying Lakers' gear at the downtown Team LA store on Monday expressed disgust over the disturbance.

"It's uncalled for, it's a shame and it's embarrassing for a lot of us in Los Angeles," said Mark Scoggins, 48.

"It was ridiculous, it was definitely not the right way to celebrate," said Alex Ramirez, 27.

Trouble erupted Sunday night in the area around Staples Center, the Lakers' home court, even though the team won its 15th National Basketball Association championship in Florida, defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game 5 of the final series.

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