The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and horse trainer Kevin Bond have reached a settlement agreement regarding charges of conduct detrimental to racing, stemming from an alleged antisemitic Facebook post. Bond, a New York-based trainer, was accused of making a comment about the murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, but he denied the post and claimed his account was hacked.
Background of the Incident
In December, NYRA launched an investigation after being alerted to a post on Bond's Facebook account. The post, a response to an unsympathetic comment about the murder of Jewish director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, read: "F*** Rob Reiner that cocky POS Jew." Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead last year.
Bond's Denial and Hacking Claim
Bond denied making the post, stating in February: "The contents of the post on Facebook that were attributed to me were shocking and unacceptable, and they most certainly did not come from me. The comments were in response to an account I do not follow; it would appear that my account was hacked, or someone created a false account that looks like mine."
NYRA's Response
NYRA president and CEO David O’Rourke condemned the post, saying: "NYRA condemns in the strongest possible terms the vile, antisemitic comments posted today on New York-based trainer Kevin Bond’s Facebook account. NYRA has zero tolerance for this kind of hateful speech and will begin an investigation into the matter immediately." In February, Bond was charged with conduct detrimental to the best interest of racing and NYRA's business operations.
Settlement Details
This week, NYRA announced a settlement had been reached. A statement said: "The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and trainer Kevin Bond have reached a settlement agreement resolving and discontinuing the administrative proceeding brought against Mr. Bond in February. As part of the settlement agreement, Mr. Bond has agreed to temporarily step away from racing or training activities at NYRA tracks through Aug. 13."
Bond is the son of long-established trainer H James Bond. The settlement allows him to resume activities after the suspension period.
