Garth Brooks Sues Hospital Over $500,000 Donation

[The Straight Story]

Garth Brooks appeared in an Oklahoma court on Tuesday as jurors were selected to hear his claim that an Oklahoma hospital refused to name a building for his late mother, Colleen Brooks, after he donated $500,000, reports the Associated Press. Garth claims he made the donation to Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in Yukon because he believed part of the building would be named after his mother. He is suing to have the money returned.

Integris says the donation was unconditional and they have done nothing wrong by not naming a building after Colleen. “Unfortunately, talks broke down or did not continue or Mr. Brooks was not satisfied with the options we were offering, and that’s when he decided to sue,” hospital spokesman Hardy Watkins said.

Garth and wife Trisha Yearwood were on hand as jurors were selected. With Garth’s superstar status, the jury had to be selected carefully. Integris lawyer Terry Thomas, who said he was a pop music fan, asked potential jurors if they were able to separate Garth from his celebrity status.

“If Mr. Paul McCartney or a Mr. Brian Wilson were sitting there, I couldn’t sit there, I just couldn’t,” he told the jurors. “That’s what we’re looking for here. If you’re just not going to be able to determine that Mr. Brooks (is wrong), I need to know at this point.”

http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2012/01/19/garth-brooks-sues-hospital-over-500000-donation/

[hlthe2b]

1. Seems like the worst possible outcome to this dispute...

He may be a gargantuan superstar, he may be absolutely in the right, in terms of what had been discussed and agreed upon... But to pull his donation (at the cost of those who will benefit from it), because they failed to name the facility after his mother--- just really bad "optics." No matter who he is.

Seems as though if the naming issue was paramount to him, he would have made them sign a contract to that effect.

[Lawlbringer]

2. I personally think

that I would roll my eyes if he wanted it named after himself.

But he wants to honor his mom, so I'd be pissed if I gave 500k to a hospital thinking a building would be named after my mother and they reneged.

However, it's a DONATION, not a purchase. So, tricky territory. I'm anxious to see how the jury decides.

[Justice wanted]

3. This is unreal! Brooks sounds like a whinny cry baby! You want something named after your

parent BUY a park and name it after her! Buy a building and name it after her!


This is what pisses me off about Hospitals now at days. They are so eager to get the money so they can-HOPEFULLY- do good and care for people or do research break thrus to help people that they will take money no matter what.


I think I would hope to think that IF I was lucky enough to become rich enough to donate money I don't act like MR Brooks.

[spanone]

5. so you would be fine if you donated and they lied to you? i bet you would.

[Justice wanted]

8. I'm saying I would donate $500,000 to a hospital knowing they are doing good I think the whole

Bull Crap of a wing being names after someone for a donation is just BAD taste! It goes to stroking egos.

I think he got what he deserves! I"m sorry if it sounds harsh to you BUT if he wanted something named after his mother he should Buy a Building or Create a Privately owned PARK so he could name it after whoever the heck he wants!

The donation is with strings attached. Donate because you have a true desire too NOT because you are getting something in return.

[spanone]

11. it goes to honoring his mother.... like it or not, that's how hospitals show gratitude

it doesn't sound harsh to me, it sounds naive. integris is the largest hospital corporation in oklahoma..... i'll go with garth on this one.

[Justice wanted]

12. And that's fine if you want to side with him! I think he's just trying to stroke his ego! I think

it's a way of saying LOOK how much I love my mom I gave money to a hospital and they named something after her!


I"m sorry but the TRUE good people are the ones who donate to hospitals and the like and do not require their names OR names of love ones "Up in lights"!

[spanone]

13. i'm just so glad that it's fine with you, it's what i live for.

up in lights. bwahahahahahahaaa

adios.

[izquierdista]

4. What happens when the rich are patrons instead of the government

Although, with the government, the slimiest politician's name winds up on the building. Look at South Carolina, where half the buildings used by the government have Strom Thurmond's name on them.

[Initech]

6. Wasn't this an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm?

[msongs]

7. solution? Mr. Brooks presents the contract stipulating naming in exchange for $$ nt

[Earth_First]

9. So much for unconditional philanthropy...

The wealthy always want something... in return.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. I'm on Garth's side

He should have the right to name the facility if he's donating that much money.

[Coyote_Bandit]

14. Local media is reporting

considerably more detail regarding this matter.

Among other things, the hospital's architect testified that plans were drawn and presented to Brooks before he made the donation that incorporated his mothers name into the design of the women's center building. That suggests that the hospital was well aware that any donation was intended to honor his mother - and that intent was exploited to garner the contrubution. There apparently was also considerable discussion regarding a groundbreaking ceremony for the building.

There was also an email (after his mother was not honored in any way and after Brooks asked for his money back) from the hospital CEO indicating that they probably couldn't refuse to return his money but they could make him fight like hell to get it back.

The hospital has probably spent more in legal fees fighting the return of the funds than the value of the donation.

I think I'd be pissed and want my money back too.

[Coyote_Bandit]

15. UPDATE: The jury verdict came back in favor of Brooks

http://www.newson6.com/story/16591554/-jury-rules-for-garth-brooks-in-hospital-donation-lawsuit

[brettdale]

17. YES GARTH BROOKS WINS CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for the guy!!!!!!

[brettdale]

16. Garth's good nature taken advantage of

My take on it ,is Garth's good nature has been taken care of, he's done a ton of charity work in the past, and this hospital
board which has a past history of this has taken advantage of him, some in the right wing press has taken the Hospital side, perhaps because he is an Obama supporter?

I hope he wins the case then these so called health care proffesionals wont treat people like dirt.