At least that’s how attorney Jamie Appel describes Tampa Rays prospect Brandon Guyer, who has the singular misfortune of having loaned his Dodge Durango to serial reprobate / teammate Matt Bush (above), who promptly ran over an elderly motorcyclist Thursday while under the influence of alcohol. The Tampa Times’ Joe Smith writes that Guyer, while not in hot water with the Rays, could face a civil suit as the owner of the vehicle.
Guyer has declined to comment. Appel said Bush was only supposed to drop Guyer off at the team’s facility in Port Charlotte on Thursday morning, then immediately return to their apartment, where the teammates were roommates. Appel said Guyer didn’t give Bush permission to use the SUV for anything else that day.
Bush told police he drove to Sarasota, then stopped to buy a few drinks, before getting arrested in North Port. Police say Bush hit the motorcycle of 72-year-old Tony Tufano and fled the scene, while having a .180 blood alcohol percentage, more than twice the legal limit.
Appel said Guyer’s SUV has been seized as evidence, and he’s cooperated with police in the investigation. FHP lieutenant Greg Bueno said Monday it doesn’t appear Guyer is the target of any criminal wrongdoing.