Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Democrats react to Kimmel suspension; Suit against Braves challenges "Baseball Rule"
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Sophie Gratas (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

Overview

This episode of Georgia Today covers a range of significant stories, sharing compelling reporting from across the state. Key topics include Georgia Democrats’ reaction to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, the challenge to the long-standing "baseball rule" through a lawsuit against the Atlanta Braves, and developments in local institutions and events, such as the Atlanta Women's Film Festival and the renaming of Fort Gordon. The episode also features an in-depth interview with a sports law expert analyzing the legal and societal evolution of baseball stadium liability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democratic Response to Kimmel Suspension and Free Speech Concerns

• [00:32–01:28]
  • State Senate Democrats raised alarms at the state Capitol, alleging that the Trump administration is undermining free speech due to pressure exerted to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after controversial comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s death.
  • State Senator Josh McLaurin (also a candidate for lieutenant governor) praised public pushback against the suspension:

    • "The American people value free speech. The American people want voices like Kimmel to be able to keep speaking out, even if not everybody agrees with every word that Jimmy Kimmel says." — McLaurin [01:07]

  • Republican State Senator John Albers responded critically:

    • "I find it very hypocritical that they would think that way when we've actually been the party of free speech." — Albers [01:24]

  • Kimmel's show returned less than a week after its suspension.

2. Anniversary of Hurricane Helene in Georgia

• [01:38–02:22]
  • Communities, including Augusta, mark the anniversary of Hurricane Helene with memorial ceremonies honoring those lost and promoting resilience.
  • Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson stated the event is to, “reflect, give thanks and reaffirm our commitment to resilience as we continue to rebuild and move forward.”

3. Fort Gordon Renamed and Honoring Fallen Soldiers

• [02:22–03:03]
  • Fort Gordon is now named after Master Sergeant Gary Gordon (a Black Hawk Down casualty), reflecting recent efforts to remove Confederate names from military installations.
  • Gary Gordon’s widow, Carmen Drake Owens, said:

    • "Fort Gordon will hold all the stories he was not able to tell." — Owens [02:37]

4. Other Local Developments Briefly Highlighted

• [03:03–05:19]
  • Northeast Georgia’s first standalone hospice house announced.
  • Medicaid privacy breach affecting 900+ recipients.
  • Spirit Airlines to furlough 334 Atlanta flight attendants amid cost-cutting and bankruptcy.
  • Notable spike in state layoffs through 2025.

5. Fifth Annual Atlanta Women's Film Festival

• [05:19–06:05]
  • The festival promotes community support and highlights women filmmakers, with entries from 35+ countries.
  • Festival director Caroline King stressed Georgia’s welcoming environment for indie filmmakers:

    • "We're not just a great place to premiere your film, we're a great place to film your project as well." — King [05:54]

  • The first Trailblazer Award to be announced.

6. Truett McConnell University Leadership Update

• [06:05–07:22]
  • President Amir Kanner will not be reinstated following allegations of mishandled sexual assault claims; John Yarborough named interim president.

7. Affordable Housing Renovation in Sweet Auburn, Atlanta

• [06:05–07:22]
  • Renovation underway at historic O’Hearn House, providing support for homeless individuals facing mental health/substance challenges.

Featured Segment: The Baseball Rule and Lawsuit Against the Braves

8. The "Baseball Rule" Legal Doctrine

• [07:49–15:15]
  • Interview with Garrett Brushhouse, St. Louis attorney and former minor league baseball player, conducted by GPB’s Orlando Montoya.

A. Introduction & Origins

• [08:27–09:29]
  • The “baseball rule” generally says fans assume the risk of being hit by a ball when at a game, a precedent dating back over 100 years.

  • "Courts eventually decided 100 years ago is that a person assumes the risk of being hit by a foul ball when they attend a baseball game." — Brushhouse [08:31]

B. Evolution in the Courts

• [09:29–10:48]
  • Shift from absolute negligence bars to comparative negligence, allowing juries to decide degree of fault.

C. The Atlanta Braves Lawsuit

• [11:05–11:47]
  • The case concerns a fan injured by a ball thrown by an outfielder between innings—an unusual deviation from typical foul-ball injuries.

    • "In between innings, you don't necessarily expect one of the fielders to throw a ball into the stands." — Brushhouse [11:47]

  • The plaintiff claims this event was not an expected risk.

D. What Should Courts Consider?

• [11:47–13:20]
  • Importance of context: fan attention, frequency of such incidents, expectations.
  • Comparison made to mascot-related injuries: e.g., a court allowed a claim when a hotdog thrown by a mascot hit a fan in the eye.

  • "The assumption of the risk doctrine relies on the notion that things are, should be, certain types of things are expected." — Brushhouse [11:50]

  • Juries to weigh intent and negligence.

E. Arguments to Erode or Modify the Rule

• [13:20–14:33]
  • Changes in game speed, spectator distractions (phones), and expanded netting have altered expectations and legal interpretations.

  • "I think the law mirrors that expectation in society sometimes too, especially when you have common law stuff like this." — Brushhouse [14:10]

F. Outcome Predictions

• [14:43–15:08]

  • "Over 90% of things like this do settle ... but for people like me who like reading about these types of decisions, you almost hope it doesn't settle." — Brushhouse [14:43]

9. Brief Sports Updates

• [15:15–end]
  • Atlanta Braves ending season against the Pittsburgh Pirates—year of disappointment but with some highlights.
  • Georgia vs. Alabama football showdown at Sanford Stadium, the first Athens matchup in a decade.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "The American people value free speech. The American people want voices like Kimmel to be able to keep speaking out, even if not everybody agrees with every word that Jimmy Kimmel says."
  — State Sen. Josh McLaurin [01:07]

• "I find it very hypocritical that they would think that way when we've actually been the party of free speech."
  — State Sen. John Albers [01:24]

• "Fort Gordon will hold all the stories he was not able to tell."
  — Carmen Drake Owens [02:37]

• "We're not just a great place to premiere your film, we're a great place to film your project as well."
  — Caroline King [05:54]

• "In between innings, you don't necessarily expect one of the fielders to throw a ball into the stands."
  — Garrett Brushhouse [11:47]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:32–01:28 — Democrats and Republicans debate free speech over Kimmel suspension
• 07:49–15:15 — Deep dive into the “baseball rule” and Atlanta Braves lawsuit (with legal analysis)
• 05:19–06:05 — Atlanta Women's Film Festival spotlight

Conclusion

This episode weaves together critical updates from Georgia politics, public health, local culture, and the intersection of sports and law. It shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of freedom of speech, the transformation of legal doctrines to meet societal expectations, and the resilience of local communities in the face of adversity. The in-depth discussion on the baseball rule—combining legal history and societal insight—offers valuable context for anyone interested in the future of fan safety and responsibility in American sports.