Former Cardinals player attacked in St. Louis, called racial slur

Former St. Louis Cardinals player Curt Ford was attacked in St. Louis, called a racial slur and told to go back to Ferguson.

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So much for nothing going on in the St. Louis area with regards to Ferguson. Former Cardinals outfielder Curt Ford experienced that firsthand recently in the area where he lives. Ford’s attacker was 37 year old James Street, who is now under arrest, according to a story by Deadspin. Ford, who is African-American, was attacked at a gas station where he was going about his business. Street, the attacker, was white.

When Ford got out of his vehicle at the gas station, Street also got out of his and began yelling racial slurs at the former MLB player. Ford tried to avoid a confrontation and went into the store. Unfortunately, he was also followed by Street. Ford went to the front of the store to pay for gas and then Street, who was on his way out, punched Ford in the face unprovoked. Street then went outside and drove away.

Street was charged with one count of assault motivated by discrimination in the third degree, which is a D-class felony. He has a criminal history that includes assault as well as marijuana possession. Police said Street yelled at Ford to “go back to Ferguson.”

Ford said after the attack that he’s had enough of St. Louis and might even consider moving. He told the St. Louis Dispatch in a phone interview that he cares a lot about the city and loves the people, but suggested that what happened to him has been happening with more regularity. He added that the only way to avoid it is to stay inside like a hermit.

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