Looks like Rod Blagojevich’s reality-series dreams have ended before they began. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that a federal judge ruled today that the ex-Illinois governor cannot go to Costa Rica to film NBC’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, because the judge cannot be sure that Blagojevich will comply with the terms of his bail. "It’s way too soon. I don’t think this defendant in all honesty…fully understands the position he finds himself in," said U.S. District Judge James Zagel. (Blagojevich has pled not guilty to 17 charges including racketeering and extortion.) According to a defense motion, he could have made $123,000 if he’d appeared on the show. NBC issued a statement saying, "NBC isdisappointed in the court’s decision today regarding Rod Blagojevich’sparticipation on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, but excited about thecasting announcement for the show this Friday. There are no plans to move the show to a location in the UnitedStates."
Apr 21
2009
07:52 PM ET
Rod Blagojevich can't join 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' judge says
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Judge James Zagel = Professional Dream Crusher.
I respect this decision, but I’m still disappointed that there’s no d-bag exemption clause. R-Blag was the only reason I would have watched this show.
What a nice way of saying, “This man is an idiot.”
Maybe they could film the show in Crawford Texas at W’s cedar ranch? Heck, even HE moved to Dallas asap. Gotta be a place even fifth rate celebs would want to get the heck out of!
I hope this ex governor of Illinois, his brother and the others involved get the max. prison time for their crimes against the people of Illinois and the U.S.. Hang em’ High!
Can’t we just ship him to Costa Rica and leave him there?!?!? (Yes, I *am* an Illinois resident and unfortunately voted for this bozo. Twice.)
Name a judge who HASN’T crushed his fair share of dreams.
This man should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Huh? I don’t get the Bush/Dallas reference. He still has his ranch, they just bought a home in Dallas. But what does that have to do with Costa Rica? I think you have your MoveOn scripts mixed up.
Of course he’s innocent until proven guilty. Judges still have to make sure defendants make it to their trial in order to prove their innocence. They do that by determining flight risk and whether someone should be allowed to leave the court’s jurisdiction.
Unless it inter fears with his court dates – Why not allow him to go to Costa Rica for business – His appearance. He may need the 123,000.00 to cover court cost. I feel the judge is out of line – after all he is not in jail now is he? Another case where the Judge makes a decision based on a “high Profile” case and the Judge protecting his “interest” and not the law. I will leave it at this.
It’d be different if it didn’t involve leaving the country. If you’ve been even CHARGED with a crime, you can’t leave the country that charged you. Blago may think he’s innocent, but trying to flee the country before a trial is pretty suspect behavior. It’s different because it’s an American reality show, but the law’s the law, and with relatively good reason.
The Judge can rule whatever he wants but the quesion becomes, innocent or guilty how can the former IL Governor defend himself without money…and before some fascist says that’s his problem… everybody is entitled to a fair trial.
DFR
Illinois taxpayers should still boycott NBC for making a joke out of something that to most residents really isn’t funny.
DISMAS REDHORSE: Since you’re obviously so concerned about it (we see your blogs on other sites), why don’t YOU offer to foot the bill for Blago’s defense??? The state of Illinois’ infrastructure is deplorable. WHERE did THAT money go to? You have any idea? No? Then sit down and shut up.