Miladin Kovacevic — the ex-Binghamton University power forward turned fugitive from justice – is finally facing a trial for his role in the beating of Bryan Steinhauer.
Back in May 0f 2008, Kovacevic and two friends were involved in a bar fight with another Binghamton student, Bryan Steinhauer. About 100 pounds lighter than the 6’9″, 260-pound ballplayer, Steinhauer got the worst of the exchange, and was left in a coma. Kovacevic was arrested, gave up his passport, made bail, and then — with the help of diplomats from his native country — fled to his native Serbia.
That touched off months of diplomatic wrangling. American diplomats up to and including Hilary Clinton and New York senator Charles Schumer demanded Kovacevic’s extradition, to face charges in Broome County, NY. The Serbian government refused, offering instead to try Kovacevic in their courts. And now, nearly two years later, that’s what’s going to happen.
He was charged Tuesday, both for inflicting “severe bodily harm with possible deadly consequences” and for using illegally-obtained travel documents to leave the United States.
He’ll face up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Kovacevic Facing Jail Time in Serbia originally appeared on About.com Basketball on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 10:18:39.
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