[stuck_in_new_orleans]

"We want the tapes not just because of Mel Gibson but because the tape puts the conduct of the Sheriff's Department in context," said Harvey Levin, head of TMZ. He said he had learned that the deputy who arrested Gibson radioed ahead to the station that someone should be prepared to videotape the scene because of Gibson's behavior.

funny how nobody is focusing on this. Am I the only one who thinks this was out of line? Almost like a set up? Maybe a way to videotape a drunken and vulgar Mel Gibson and then sell it to the tabloids?

[SaxxonWoods]

Video in cases like this is standard procedure as out-of-control drunks often injure themselves or start fights with the police, and then claim abuse. Embarrassing video also cools the perp's ardor for a jury trial.

[Suzy Quzy]

No...you aren't the only one. I think the jewish cop POSSIBLY provoked him. His diatribe made NO SENSE said to a Chinese man (like was first reported)....and then the fact of his being Jewish didn't come out for two days and has NEVER been mentioned again makes me go ...hmmmmmm. The story against Mel would have been even UGLIER had the fact he said this to a Jewish cop, so why hide that fact for two days...it sure wasn't to shield Mel from any embarrassment.