A 21-year-old college basketball captain sued his father for $60,000 over a birthday gift, and the judge dismissed the case with a stern lecture on gratitude. In case number 7313, Benny Crespo accused his father, Omar Crespo, of causing him emotional distress. The reason: Omar bought him an electric car instead of the luxury sports car he wanted.
Benny told the court he turned 21 on December 17 and expected a big reward. He said his father had long promised to reward him for strong grades and sporting success. Consequently, he asked for a Porsche, a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. “I have standards, and it’s important to have standards in life,” he said. His father instead gave him a basic electric vehicle. Benny then listed his complaints, noting that the car makes no noise and needs charging. “If I wanted to charge something, I could easily just charge my phone,” he told the judge.
Omar defended the purchase. He explained that he and his wife first considered a cheap, high-mileage car, which he called a “transportación,” simply to get their son from point A to point B. However, they upgraded after Benny proved to be such a gifted student. “I consider an electric vehicle a luxury car,” Omar said. He admitted he could probably afford a more expensive model, but he stood by his decision.
Judge George Porter then examined Benny’s circumstances. Benny lives in his parents’ house, carries a 4.0 grade point average and studies cybersecurity. Moreover, he holds a full-ride scholarship for academics and basketball, and he earns about $50,000 more through a name, image and likeness deal. His parents also paid for his private schooling, although Benny shrugged that off. “I didn’t ask to be put in a private school,” he said.
Omar then shared his own story. He left Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the United States at 21, alone and without money. His parents died when he was seven, and a strict aunt raised him. He said he has worked “every single day of my life since I was seven years old.” He holds no college degree, calls himself self-taught and describes his status as “middle-class plus.” He also complained that the lawsuit forced him to miss a workday.
The judge began with praise. He commended Benny for his grades and his scholarship, noting that many talented athletes lack the discipline to earn one. Then his tone changed. “This man owes you nothing,” Porter said, adding that Benny is a grown man who should treat the gift as his first step toward independence. He pointed out that Omar fed, clothed and housed him, paid for private school and still bought him a car.
Furthermore, Porter dismissed Benny’s worry about his image. He asked whether Benny wanted to satisfy his friends or himself. “Do not dictate your life on materialistic stuff,” he said. He told Benny that anyone who laughs at his car is superficial. If he wants a Ferrari, the judge added, he should win a place in the NBA and buy one himself. Even then, Porter warned, many players lose everything within ten years.
The judge also spoke personally. He said he never had a good relationship with his own father, and he urged Benny to value the parents he has. He warned that friends who want a winning captain will vanish when life turns difficult. Meanwhile, he reminded Benny that his father could have sent him away or put him out of the house.
Finally, Porter dismissed the case and asked Benny whether he understood. “Yes, Your Honor,” Benny replied. Father and son left the courtroom together.
Leave a Reply