The Prizefight That Killed a Boxer
A police lieutenant faces suspension for failing to stop a brutal, fatal sparring exhibition at the People's Theater.
Lieutenant Phillip Sullivan of the police force was examined last evening by the board of police commissioners regarding his conduct during a prizefight at the People's Theater, which resulted in the death of George Shafer. Witnesses testified that Sullivan arrived during the sixth round and called for the fight to stop. While some reporters described the bout as a 'sickening' and brutal slugging match, Sullivan argued that he arrived and terminated the exhibition as soon as he was alerted. The commissioners have deferred their decision until a future meeting.
“A couple of old women would have made a better fight.”
This reflects an era when public morality and police oversight clashed over 'sporting' violence. Today's Seattle struggles with similar questions regarding the accountability of public officials who are present at high-profile incidents or disturbances.
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