Freindly Fire

Don Adams, the Teamsters -- And Justice

by Chris Freind

What kind of person deliberately walks away from hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars, and, at the same time, welcomes a criminal trial in which he himself is a defendant, even though the case could have been easily dismissed through legal motions? What kind of patience is required to wait an entire decade for a settlement validating one's position, despite the near certainty that the case could have been settled eight years before?

A man of iron will, uncommon perseverance, and an undying thirst for the truth.

Meet Don Adams.

In 1998, Adams was protesting the Philadelphia appearance of President Clinton because of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Given the controversy surrounding Clinton at the time, then-Mayor Ed Rendell made sure to mobilize the Democratic machine in Philadelphia to rally support for his embattled friend. Leading the chorus for the television cameras were the Teamsters, the most notorious of the city's powerful unions.

One would think Adams and his sister Terry would not even register on the radar that day, considering that the protestors numbered a handful, while being surrounded by thousands of vocal Clinton backers. One would be wrong.

The late Johnny Morris, head of the Teamsters, sparred with Adams about the President's actions, and, having heard enough, took his fedora and rammed it over Adams' head---a sign apparently taken to mean that Adams should be attacked. Several union thugs proceeded to pummel Adams, and his sister, knocking both to the ground and inflicting substantial physical and emotional harm.

It's not everyday that an angry mob---Teamsters, no less--- attacks you; somehow, under such circumstances, it isn't a stretch to think your end may be coming sooner than expected.

Oh, and there is one more interesting detail about the City Hall melee. It was captured by television cameras.

Case over, justice to be served, right? Guess again.

Adams was subsequently arraigned and charged with assaulting several women. And of course, those charges make perfect sense. Who wouldn't initiate a physical attack against Teamsters women who were accompanied by, literally, thousands of their male friends?

The criminal complaint against Adams was brought by the Teamsters in order to gain leverage; they wanted Adams to drop his case against their members in exchange for them withdrawing their complaint against him. They figured Adams would not risk a conviction and therefore agree to the offer, but he refused. He was a man out to clear his name and seek justice.

Most legal experts would agree that if Adams had chosen to retain one of Philadelphia's top attorneys, the charges against him would have been dismissed outright, and he could have received a substantial settlement within a relatively short time period.

But to Don Adams, such a choice would be subverting the truth. He wanted his day in court and the opportunity to make the truth known.

So he went to trial, and was found not guilty of all charges. On the flip side, the Teamsters charged were all found guilty. Round one---Adams.

With a victory now in hand, Adams began his long crusade in civil court. His case was bantered from federal to state court, and a host of motions and legal conflicts of interest made for interminable delays. However, after nearly ten years, the case was finally slated for trial this May.

Understanding that Adams was a pit bull who would never stop in his quest and who had momentum on his side, the Teamsters made the smart choice to settle out of court.

Adams accepted their offer, and the terms were favorable.

Round two---Adams. By a knockout.

By never giving up in his fight against the most powerful interests in the city, Adams cleared his name, came out on top, and, most importantly, became an inspiration to all that "the truth shall set you free".

Who says you can't fight City Hall?

Chris Freind can be reached at CF@TheBulletin.us

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