Man who asked for three extra years in prison to honor Larry Bird’s No. 33 now having second thoughts
May 13, 2011, 10:06 AM EDT
Why is the number 33 so relevant to Eric Torpy? It’s the number of his favorite basketball player, the amount of years he was sentenced to prison, and also, apparently, his IQ. In October 2005, Torpy was sentenced to 30 years in prison for armed robbery in Oklahoma County, but asked the judge to tack on three more years in honor of Larry Bird, who wore No. 33 for the Celtics. But after six years in the can, that brilliant move is not looking so hot.
“He said if he was going down, he was going to go down in Larry Bird’s jersey,’’ Oklahoma District Judge Ray Elliott told the Associated Press back then. “He was just as happy as he could be.’’
But after sharing a 10-foot-by-15-foot cell at the Davis Correctional Facility for the last six years, Torpy regrets asking for the extra time.
“Now that I have to do that time, yes I do,’’ says Torpy. “I kind of wished that I had 30 instead of 33. Recently I’ve wisened up.
“That three is a big deal, you know? Three years matters.’’
Torpy will turn 33 this year and is not eligible for parole until 2033.
Torpy says he was “basically clowning around’’ when he asked for more time, but he blames the district attorney and judge for playing along. He says they should never have lengthened his plea bargain agreement.
“In my mind, they became unprofessional,’’ he says. “Why feed into my game? I’m a criminal.’’
Torpy’s claim to fame is that he was on ESPN, and that Jay Leno did a joke about him. Wait, you get to watch The Tonight Show in prison? Shouldn’t that count toward time served?
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The Bird man of prison [Boston Globe]
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- jimsjam33 - May 13, 2011 at 3:27 PM
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How much time did O.J. Simpson get for two brutal murders , 32 years ? Nah , a jury of idiots let him go free . How much time did Robert Blake ( aka Baretta ) get for killing his live in at an Italian restaurant 10 years ago ? He was let go free also . Another jury pool of idiots . Then again how many murders , child molestors , rapists get maximum sentences then get off for good behavior time ?
Give this chump a break . 30 years for armed robbery is plenty . Next time chump , plea bargain for the local hero in Oklahoma , Mickey Mantle , number 7 !
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- florida727 - May 13, 2011 at 5:10 PM
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“Why is the number 33 so relevant to Eric Torpy? It’s the number of his favorite basketball player, the amount of years he was sentenced to prison, and also, apparently, his IQ.”
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When I saw the headline I was thinking I’d post something clever like defining the difference between a moron and an idiot, but then I read your opening lines, Rick. No way I can top this! You’re the best. Keep up the awesome work. At least this clown wasn’t a Chicago Bears’ Dan Hampton fan
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- 1historian - May 14, 2011 at 9:42 PM
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just when I think people can’t get any dumber something like this pops up
sigh
