Actor Michael Douglas’ Costly "T" Shot

James Parker, a caddy at the Elmwood Country Club in White Plains New York, was permanently injured during an unfortunate incident that occurred last year while Parker was working at the club. Parker filed suit against Douglas for $115 million after an errant golf shot struck Parker in one of his testicles, which was severely damaged and ultimately removed as a result of the accident. Douglas has repeatedly claimed his innocence, saying that it was another individual whose ball struck Parker’s testicle. There must have been some validity to Parker’s claims however, because Douglas has settled out of court, on the day before the trial proceedings were scheduled to begin.

Douglas has now joined the dubious ranks of such deadly hackers as former presidents Gerald Ford and George Bush, both of whom have been known to strike spectators during charity golf outings. Douglas, however, is apparently responsible for some very real and irreparable damage to an individual. The details of the incident have never been released, so it would be unfair to speculate as to Douglas’ role in the accident. But Douglas’ pre-trial settlement seems to indicate that he is at least unwilling to risk a judge or jury’s interpretation of his role in the maiming.

Although as yet undetermined, it is believed that Douglas settled for a figure in the low millions. Neither Parker nor Douglas have offered any public statements since the settlement was reached.