The Philadelphia Phillies organization and Mayor Michael Nutter apologized to an Easton cop and his family for the South Jersey baseball fan now known as Pukemon.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Matthew Clemmens' uncle downplayed the incident, calling his nephew a good kid who probably had a few too many beers and was not trying to throw up on anyone.
Capt. Michael Vangelo took his 15- and 11-year-old daughters to Wednesday night's game at Citizens Bank Park and sat -- now famously -- in front of Clemmens and a friend, who Vangelo said behaved boorishly. Vangelo's 15-year-old only managed to provoke the rude fans when she asked them to stop using vulgar language, the officer said.
Clemmens' friend was the first to be booted from the park -- for allegedly spitting on Vangelo and his daughters -- at which point Clemmens announced his intent to vomit, then pulled the trigger and booted all over Vangelo and his 11-year-old, throwing punches all the while, police said.
The incident earned Clemmens' his 15 minutes. There's an anti-Clemmens Facebook page, now, and one of its fans nicknamed him "Pukemon," a handle that's likely to stick with him for some time.
But Pukemon's uncle, Dave Clemmens, spoke in defense of his nephew. He said his nephew got sick and had to throw up. He didn't stick his fingers down his throat but instead covered his mouth to try not to vomit on anyone, unfortunately spraying Vangelo and his kids.
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Vangelo doesn't buy it. He said what he saw was intentional and other witnesses have contacted him to tell him they're willing to testify the same.
The Phillies are trying to contact Vangelo to apologize, and the mayor has said he is sorry the incident happened, too.
Clemmens is facing several charges, including simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment and disorderly conduct.
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