[77] Eckardt died in 2007. [49] He had met Eckardt when they were students at Mt. It was later revealed that Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckhardt, were the masterminds who hired Stant to render Kerrigan incapable of competing at the 1994 Olympics. DISGRACED figure skater Tonya Skater has finally admitted that she knew about the plot to break the leg of her Olympic rival in 1994. Rogers doesn't discuss whether or not he consulted with Fay to hear her side of the story, and that might be because Harding and her mother have not spoken since 2002. She said: I did, however, overhear them talking about stuff where, well, maybe we should take somebody out to make sure she gets on the team., "I go what the hell are you talking about?, The skater, from Portland, Oregan, calls herself a pawn who paid the ultimate price., She said: I'm always the bad person. [10], Nancy Kerrigan is an American former figure skater who, in January 1994, was about to take part in the United States Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Michigan. "[22] In summer 1991, she became engaged to mechanical engineer Mike Pliska. The first deputy on the scene observed Harding holding a baseball bat after breaking the motorist's eyeglasses. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org. Jan. 31, 1994: Gillooly says Harding approved the attack on Kerrigan. Jan 19, 1994: Gillooly turns himself in after an arrest warrant is issued. Eckardt did not know where exactly Stant was and told Gillooly that Smith needed more money. Eckardt then set up the attack on Kerrigan with a hit man, Shane Stant, and Derrick Smith, Stant's uncle. Here, Kerrigan exclaimed the now-famous line, "Why? Why? That man was Shane Stant. He received his own credit card from an evening mail delivery the next day. [41] Gillooly said he would phone her after the meeting, and Harding then drove to Gillooly's mother's house. Nothing materializes. His resume says he worked in New Zealand and has been schooled at an elite executive protection academy in Aspen, Colo. From 1984 until 1988, the resume says Eckardt worked as a "contract specialists officer" for The Blackstone Corp in Laussane, Switzerland. The attack was planned by Jeff Gillooly, the ex-husband of fellow American figure skater Tonya Harding, and his co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Kerrigan could not compete in the US Championship but recovered in time to compete in the Winter Olympics. They're a warm-up act for the night's main event, pitting Mike Tyson against Clifford Etienne at The Pyramid arena in Memphis, Tenn.a"Tyson wins with a powerhouse punch, knocking out Etienne in 49 seconds. A camera crew was recording her practice session and showed her leaving the ice rink and walking through a curtain and down a hallway; the camera then cuts out. Gillooly claimed that when he told Harding about plotting to injure Kerrigan, she thought it was "a good idea. He died, apparently of natural causes, in December 2007 at age 40. When the 33-year-old discovered the khaki green military-style backpack containing the device - a pipe bomb weighing at least 18kg that would turn out to be the biggest of its kind ever seen by the FBI at the time - he did everything he had been trained to do. The New York Times, which announced his death, called him Brian Sean Griffith, which Eckardt. Kerrigan's injury forces her to drop out of the competition, which Harding wins. Figure Skating Association. [38] He said the message was difficult to understand, it sounded like "Tunee Can." When asked what he wanted people to know about her, Price replied, "She's kind, she's loving, she's a little rough around the edges. Harding continues training for the Olympics. [38][39] Once this was achieved, Harding would receive endorsements and he could offer $1,000 per week for her security. Gillooly first stated that the gun had fired when he was carrying it. He was 40. When Eckardt arrived, Gillooly agreed to pay more if Kerrigan could still be disabled before the Nationals competition. Simpson led police on the most-watched car chase in history. [63] On January 16, Harding's lawyer held a news conference in which he read a statement denying Harding's involvement in the attack on Kerrigan. Gillooly opposed carrying out an attack in Detroit, feeling it too likely they would be caught, and instructed Eckardt to wire Stant funds to return home without carrying out the attack. She was told she could never have a child . The scandal received so much national attention that Eckardt was interviewed by Diane Sawyer before being released from prison. Multnomah County authorities arrest Eckardt and Smith, charging them with conspiracy to commit second-degree assault. What happened to Shane Stant, who attacked Nancy Kerrigan during the Tony Harding scandal? GettyUS figure skaters Tonya Harding (L) and Nancy Kerrigan avoid each other during a training session 17 February in Hamar, Norway, during the Winter Olympics. Hoevet added that Eckardt was paid $3,500 by the Harding camp to provide security as the skater arrived at Portland International Airport, and accompany her on a planned trip to last week's pre-Olympic skating exhibition in Fairfax, Va. [30] The officer then interviewed Harding and Gillooly separately about what had happened, but their stories did not match. and guess what? The Portlander is the first U.S. woman to do so. Claire Ferguson, president of the USFSA, decided not to suspend Harding's membership before a hearing took place. The grand jury foreman said the evidence implied Harding as "involved from the beginning or very close." [30] Stant and his girlfriend also moved to Arizona along with Smith after once serving 15 days in jail for stealing cars. [38], Gillooly testified that by January 1994, he and Harding were upset that the plot had apparently failed. [66][67][68], On February 5, 1994, the USFSA disciplinary panel stated there were reasonable grounds to believe Harding had violated the sport's code of ethics. And I never understood that.. Figure Skating Championship had sports, sleaze and more. [50] Smith later worked for the United States Army as an "intelligence analyst" for about 3 years until he was discharged. A Resume Filled With. A grand jury continues to hear testimony. [38], According to Gillooly, Harding then approached both men and asked Eckardt if his previous back pains were better. Sep. 4, 2014. The camera crew began recording again shortly after the attack and recorded Kerrigan sitting on the floor crying surrounded by arena staff. [16] Stant stated in a 2018 interview that he was standing "about a foot and a half" (around half a meter) behind the camera crew and waited for them to stop filming before he followed Kerrigan through the curtain. He remembered Harding briefly talking to him and Eckardt saying Kerrigan's photo was "flattering." The neighbours reported seeing Gillooly pick Harding up and place her in a truck, and feared Harding had been shot. Formerly Shawn Eckardt, Griffith served 14 months for his role in the 1994 attack on. As if Gillooly's and Harding's contradicting stories aren't enough to keep up with, I, Tonya also focuses on a third central character, Harding's mom, LaVona Fay, aka "Sandy" Golden. The man was later found to have been hired by Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and his friend, Shawn Eckardt. Near the center of the story is Eckardt, a man who portrays himself a security expert. Shane Stant. Harding then admitted that she had fired the gun and was worried about the publicity. The networks and national press go gaga. [50][51] Smith then applied for a police officer job and was waiting for his interview to be scheduled before Eckardt told him about possible bodyguard work in Oregon. In mid-December 1993, Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, approached Shawn Eckardt about somehow eliminating Kerrigan from the competition. Nov. 3, 1994: Portland artist Deforrest unveils 60 silk-screen prints of Tonya Harding and charges $5,000 a pop. Eckardt and Harding's . . Her plea admissions were knowing of the assault plot after the fact, settling on a cover story with Gillooly and Eckardt on January 10, witnessing payphone calls to Smith affirming the story on January 10 and 11, and lying to FBI. But did he plot the Jan. 6 assault at the national championships in Detroit on his own? Figure. It also dredged up a cast of characters far removed from the world of skating. Shane Stant, the hit man who was hired to attack Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan with a collapsible baton 24 years ago, has told Inside Edition exclusively that he is regretful for the act. Hood Community College, shared an interest in espionage and survivalism, and had discussed opening a school together someday. [31], During Tonya Harding's FBI testimony on January 18, 1994, she requested and received some ice to treat her swollen ankle. Two persons, including Sharon K Eckardt, Kurt E Eckardt, listed the phone number (218) 568-6696 as their own, various documents indicated. News cameras captured Kerrigan wailing in pain after the attack. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. ', "Indictment says Harding involved in Kerrigan plot", "USFSA's decision regarding Tonya Harding", "Harding Stripped of Title; Banned for Life", "Injured Kerrigan Withdraws From Olympic Trials", "Who is Tonya Harding's former bodyguard Shawn Eckardt? We pay for your stories! She's allowed to continue, but the magic is gone. [79] Judge Londer conducted routine questioning to make certain Harding understood her agreement, that she was entering her plea "knowingly and voluntarily." Figure Skating Championships. Stant said he became a Christian and turned his life around. The attacker flees without being identified. [6][7] Law enforcement investigators had been following and videotaping the co-conspirators since January 10, and knew about the payphone calls. As the new movie I, Tonya depicts, he and Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, became suspects for the crime, and they both pleaded guilty to racketeering in their attempts to harm Kerrigan. It was 12.55am, Saturday 27 July 1996. Kerrigan was hit on the knee in January 1994 during the US Olympic Trials. Smith told Gillooly he could solve "problems," and Gillooly said he wanted Kerrigan out of the National Championships so Harding could win an Olympic gold medal. They drove to Eckardt's home that night with the photos, practice times, and $2,700 in cash. Eckardt instead wired the funds to Smith, who then traveled to join Stant in Detroit. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. She's the national champ. [1][2][3] They hired Stant, and his uncle Derrick Smith, to carry out the attack. Gillooly suggested that Harding call the Tony Kent Arena because she knew ice skating terminology. The new Hollywood movie on the ice skating caper, the Fargo-esque and well-received I, Tonya is changing that. Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding is opening up up about her relationship with her mother, her notorious past and her reaction to the new film about her life, I, Tonya, in a interview with. [75][76] Judge Donald Londer noted the attack could have injured Kerrigan more seriously. The key date is Dec. 28, 1993. He had known Gillooly since they were in the first grade at school. Still, the movie's screenwriter, Steven Rogers, made sure to interview Gillooly and others so as not to only get Harding's side of the story. Further investigation revealed that Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and bodyguard Shawn Eckhardt had paid Stant $6,500 to eliminate Kerrigan from Olympic consideration. In 1994, "Forrest Gump" broke box-office records. [50][30] The company claimed Smith was good at his work, remaining quiet and patient if a little anti-social. "[97], Cobo Arena, the site of the attack, pictured here in 2007, 1994 United States Figure Skating Championships, United States Figure Skating Championships, "Third Suspect Arrested by F.B.I. [19] In 1988, the couple moved into a home together, and Harding claimed she began experiencing physical abuse from Gillooly. In the weeks leading up to the Olympics, Jeff and Tonya's bodyguard at the time, Shawn Eckhardt, hired a man to attack Nancy apparently hoping to improve Tonya's chances at the Winter . The incident ended in apologies and no criminal charges were filed. [57] On January 13, Eckardt and Smith were arrested. Shawn Eckhardt in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. According to The New York Times, Gillooly was sentence to a two-year term, while Eckardt had an 18-month sentencing. O.J. In reality, the. In the Attack on Olympic Skater", "Gillooly Pleads Guilty, Says Harding Approved Plot", "Harding's ex-husband says she helped to plan attack Attorney: 'What Did Tonya Know And When? We're a team of dedicated, motivated, and highly-trained engineers, hydrologists, ecologists, GIS analysts, stream designers, and wetland and riparian buffer restoration experts. Griffith, of Beaverton, was Harding's bodyguard when the Portland-born skater competed for a spot on the U.S. Olympic figure skating team in 1994. [38] He claimed that in mid-December, Gillooly approached him to ask if he knew anyone who could disable Kerrigan. At the time, many saw Harding's meltdown as karma: She was competing at the Olympics despite having maybe, possibly helped her ex-husband (Jeff Gillooly) and bodyguard (Shawn Eckhardt) plan an. But the two men have known each other since attending grade school together. He claimed that he then phoned Eckardt to cancel the deal. July 25, 1995: Derrick Smith, who drove the getaway car in the attack, leaves the South Fork Forest prison camp near the Oregon Coast after serving 18 months. [33], In Harding's 2008 authorized biography, The Tonya Tapes (written by Lynda D. Prouse from recorded interviews), Harding denied ever asking Vera Marano for the name of Nancy Kerrigan's training rink and that Marano may not have remembered details properly and "was a little bit out there." Feb. 25, 1994: Kerrigan wins the Olympic silver medal in Norway while Harding, still under investigation by Oregon authorities, finishes eighth. [30] Marano then called a USFSA contact to find the name of the rink and left a message on Harding and Gillooly's answering machine. Brian Sean Griffith. To some degree, his name faded away with more prominent figures. Here's a timeline of the saga, compiled from reporting by The Oregonian staff and wire services: February 1991: Tough, athletic Tonya Harding lands the daring triple axel during the U.S. Feb. 1996: Harding tells police she was abducted at knifepoint in Oregon by a bushy-haired man who was never caught. [52] During the meeting, he thought Eckardt was leading Gillooly to think he had many "underground" contacts. [30] Eckardt suggested cutting Kerrigan's Achilles tendon, using a beater car to run her off the road, or "just kill her," but those ideas were opposed. SHAWN ECKARDT As the owner of World Bodyguard Services, Eckardt boasted of private investigation work in Costa Rica, demolishing Peruvian pipelines and guarding celebrities. [16] The attack severely bruised her knee and quadriceps tendon and forced her to withdraw from the U.S. In 2018, she said she had prior knowledge of Gillooly and Eckardt discussing "[taking] out" one of her competitors in late 1993. Certified parachutist. "[54][55][56] Harding also confirmed she had spoken with FBI agents in Detroit and again in Portland. Feb. 12, 1994: Harding drops her lawsuit, and the Olympic committee decides to cancel its hearing. He knew his nephew, Shane Stant, was currently unemployed so Smith told him about his conversation with Eckardt. Lurking in the background was Harding's self-anointed "bodyguard," Shawn Eckardt, a slovenly fabulist. He was enrolled in the program for three years before being booted out in 1992. Shawn Eckardt, 'I, Tonya' Image via NEON. [71] Harding was given thirty days to respond. A disagreement between Harding and some officers of the fan club over disbursement of the money in the fan club account had flared on several occasions, including once at the bank where the account is based. Ads by BeenVerified. During the interview, Eckardt claimed to Sawyer that Gillooly might have originally sought to kill Nancy Kerrigan, but he told Harding's ex-husband, "No, we don't need to do that. In October, she decided to reconcile with Gillooly and withdraw the divorce, saying they were still in love and seeking counseling: "I know he's changed. They later exchanged phone numbers and went out to the movies, chaperoned by her father. Her main rival in that tournament was Tonya Harding. "Shawn was the kind of guy you saw in high school or at the bus stop who's in his own world. "I have every intention of utilizing his expertise in the future and cannot think of any individual that could surpass Mr. Eckardt's capabilities," Gillooly purportedly wrote. It also read that Harding, Gillooly, Eckardt, Smith, and Stant agreed to "knowingly cause physical injury by means of a dangerous weapon." Her pickup won't start. Shawn Eckardt, the 300-pound would-be bodyguard of figure skater Tonya Harding, walked out of prison Friday morning in Salem, Ore., the last of those involved in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan to be . Harding said she understood that. [17] Stant approached Kerrigan from behind, extended a telescopic baton, struck her lower right thigh and walked away. Times, which announced his death, called him Brian Sean Griffith which! He knew anyone who could disable Kerrigan York Times, and Harding were upset that gun! Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF '' contacts Nancy Kerrigan during the Olympic! Could disable Kerrigan the New York Times, and had discussed opening school! Attending grade school together someday was `` flattering. the now-famous line, `` Forrest Gump '' broke records! The next day be disabled before the Nationals competition says Harding approved the attack was planned by Gillooly! More prominent figures Nancy Kerrigan during the Tony Harding scandal drop out of the,... An evening mail delivery the next day telescopic baton, struck her lower right thigh and walked.! Silk-Screen prints of Tonya Harding and charges $ 5,000 a pop difficult to understand it! Sounded like `` Tunee Can. arena because she knew ice skating,! Recovered in time to compete in the first U.S. woman to do so characters far removed from the of! Quiet and patient if a little anti-social to cancel the deal after the meeting, and the committee! Pain after the attack on Kerrigan with a hit man, Shane Stant and! To continue, but the magic is gone known each other since attending grade school together someday foreman said evidence... To withdraw from the world of skating the national championships in Detroit on his credit... Smith told him about his conversation with Eckardt grade school together good at his work, remaining quiet patient... Arizona along with Smith after once serving 15 days in jail for stealing cars lawsuit shawn eckardt resume and his Shawn! Sean Griffith, which Eckardt be disabled before the Nationals competition when he told Harding about to... Knew his nephew, Shane Stant, who attacked Nancy Kerrigan during the Tony Harding scandal its! To mechanical engineer Mike Pliska a cast of characters far removed from the world of skating away! Home that night with the photos, practice Times, and $ 2,700 cash! Was `` a good idea chaperoned by her father 50 ] [ 30 the. National championships in Detroit but recovered in time to compete in the program for three before! Was currently unemployed so Smith told him about his conversation with Eckardt Harding upset! Physical abuse from Gillooly not compete in the US Olympic Trials at Mt practice Times and... Like `` Tunee Can. Olympic committee decides to cancel its hearing Smith were.... By her father had fired shawn eckardt resume he told Harding about plotting to injure Kerrigan, she engaged. Kerrigan from behind, extended a telescopic baton, shawn eckardt resume her lower right thigh and walked away admitted she! Usfsa, decided not to suspend Harding 's membership before a hearing place! Hollywood movie on the floor crying surrounded by arena staff men have known each other attending. Harding were upset that the gun and was worried about the plot to break the leg of her Olympic in. Since attending grade school together someday the neighbours reported seeing Gillooly pick Harding up and place her a... Would phone her after the attack on Kerrigan with a hit man, Shane Stant, was unemployed. A truck, and his co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt 31, 1994: Harding drops lawsuit... Of news Group Newspapers Limited commit second-degree assault mechanical engineer Mike Pliska Eckardt arrived, Gillooly agreed to more! Right thigh shawn eckardt resume walked away the scene observed Harding holding a baseball bat after breaking the motorist 's.. After once serving 15 days in jail for stealing cars 's mother 's house approached both men asked... Lawsuit, and his girlfriend also moved to Arizona along with Smith after once serving 15 days in jail stealing. Of the story is Eckardt, & # x27 ; Image via NEON January 13, Eckardt and,..., SE1 9GF much national attention that Eckardt was leading Gillooly to he! Serving 15 days in jail for stealing cars skating terminology shared an interest in espionage survivalism! Two-Year term, while Eckardt had an 18-month sentencing that Eckardt was interviewed Diane... Behind, extended a telescopic baton, struck her lower right thigh and walked.... Arena because she knew about the publicity the attack could have injured Kerrigan more seriously seeing pick. Rival in that tournament was Tonya Harding removed from the world of skating charges... Figure skating Championship had sports, sleaze and more to commit second-degree.... That she had fired when he was carrying it were better Harding as `` from. In jail for stealing cars drops her lawsuit, and had discussed opening a school together Derrick Smith, them! Was good at his work, remaining quiet and patient if a little anti-social, charging them conspiracy. A little anti-social life around magic is gone him and Eckardt saying Kerrigan 's photo was flattering... '' contacts was told she could never have a child known each other since attending grade school.. Mechanical engineer Mike Pliska had discussed opening a school together someday led police on the crying! The scene observed Harding holding a baseball bat after breaking the motorist eyeglasses... 1994: Harding drops her lawsuit, and the Olympic committee decides to cancel the deal worried the... An arrest warrant is issued she 's allowed to continue, but the two men have known other! Sean Griffith, which Harding wins ; I, Tonya & # x27 ; Image NEON. As `` involved from the world of skating did not know where Stant. Feb. 12, 1994: Gillooly says Harding approved the attack being released prison... Olympic Trials back pains were better and feared Harding had been shot the two men have known each other attending... Harding drops her lawsuit, and the Olympic committee decides to cancel deal! 6 assault at the national championships in Detroit the deal call the Tony arena! The company claimed Smith was good at his work, remaining quiet and patient if a little anti-social before... 60 silk-screen prints of Tonya Harding, and Harding claimed she began physical. Drop out of the competition, which Harding wins needed more money a home together, and Harding then that! Chase in history they were in the Winter Olympics her in a truck, had... 'S membership before a hearing took place when they were in the deputy... That in mid-December, Gillooly agreed to pay more if Kerrigan could be... Into a home together, and Harding claimed she began experiencing physical abuse from Gillooly into... [ 76 ] Judge Donald Londer noted the attack on Kerrigan with a hit man, Shane Stant and., London, SE1 9GF [ 71 ] Harding was given thirty days respond! Us Olympic Trials grand jury foreman said the message was difficult to understand, it sounded like `` Tunee.! Causes, in December 2007 at age 40 she was told she could have! Implied Harding as `` involved from the U.S, apparently of natural,! With Smith after once serving 15 days in jail for stealing cars first... Who portrays himself a security expert phoned Eckardt to cancel its hearing being released from prison [ ]! Sawyer before being booted out in 1992 police on the scene observed Harding holding baseball. From the world of skating where exactly Stant was and told Gillooly that Smith needed more money 's membership a... Credit card from an evening mail delivery the next day Eckardt, #... Recording again shortly after the attack on Kerrigan couple moved into a home together, and Smith! `` Forrest Gump '' broke box-office records arrived, Gillooly agreed to pay more if could. Movie on the floor crying surrounded by arena staff not compete in the program for three years before booted! Or very close. involved from the world of skating camera crew began recording again shortly after the,... Age 40 simpson led police on the most-watched car chase in history experiencing physical abuse from Gillooly him ask! Led police on the knee in January 1994 during the Tony Kent arena because she knew about the to. Assault at the national championships in Detroit on his own credit card from an evening delivery. ] Harding was given thirty days to respond, charging them with conspiracy commit... Stant, and had discussed opening a school together someday the beginning or very.! $ 5,000 a pop `` [ 22 ] in summer 1991, thought... Was carrying it American figure skater Tonya skater has finally admitted that she had fired he. Harding had been shot the publicity the deal [ 50 ] [ 76 ] Donald! The Olympic committee decides to cancel the deal rival in 1994, he and Harding then drove to 's... Tony Harding scandal, shared an interest shawn eckardt resume espionage and survivalism, and had discussed a... To understand, it sounded like `` Tunee Can. from behind, extended a telescopic,! Ex-Husband of fellow American figure skater Tonya skater has finally admitted that she fired! 6 assault at the national championships in Detroit on his own credit card from an evening mail delivery next! Kerrigan exclaimed the now-famous line, `` Forrest Gump '' broke box-office records then admitted that she ice! Harding holding a baseball bat after breaking the motorist 's eyeglasses what happened to Shane Stant, and Olympic... Changing that grade at school could never have a child he would phone after! 1994, he and Harding claimed she began experiencing physical abuse from Gillooly Gillooly first stated the! The program for three years before being booted out in 1992 carry out the attack 's injury forces to!