Dad apologizes for threatening daughter's tormentors
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...threats22.html
Dad apologizes for threatening daughter's tormentors
A Florida dad who got national media attention after threatening children on a school bus for bullying his disabled 13-year-old daughter issued apologies Tuesday on national television and during a local news conference
By The Orlando Sentinel
* Video | Dad who stormed bus apologizes for actions
LAKE MARY, Fla. — A Florida dad who got national media attention after threatening children on a school bus for bullying his disabled 13-year-old daughter issued apologies Tuesday on national television and during a local news conference.
James Willie Jones, of Sanford, Fla., apologized for his behavior during a news conference and an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."
http://blogs.trb.com/features/family...JamesJones.jpg
He acknowledged he acted like a bully and repeatedly said he was sorry for what happened.
"I regret for all the kids that weren't involved and had nothing to do with this (incident) that was on that bus at the time. ... I don't think we should promote bullying," Jones told "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts.
Jones, 42, said the reason for his actions — which included threats to kill the children and school-bus driver — was the safety and well-being of his daughter, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
"When I walked my daughter to the bus that morning," he told The Associated Press, "she broke down in tears and finally told me about the bullies who had tormented her on the school bus. She was afraid.
"In the heat of the moment, I wanted to confront the individuals ... as the protector of my daughter I could not stand by and helplessly watch her suffer."
Jones and his wife, Deborah Jones, said their daughter remains hospitalized for stress she suffered in connection with the incident.
Video surveillance shows Jones boarding a Seminole County school bus on Sept. 3 and launching into a profanity-laden rant.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Jones on charges of disorderly conduct and disturbing a school function.