Scott Erickson Seeks to Overturn $176 Million Judgment in Fatal DUI Crash

Disgraced former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson is seeking to overturn the $176 million judgment awarded to the family of two young brothers killed in a 2020 street-racing crash. In court documents filed this week, Erickson's legal team argued that the jury's award is "excessive" and called for the verdict to be set aside, or for a new civil trial to be granted.

Erickson and his former partner, Rebecca Grossman, were ordered by a jury to pay the substantial damages to the family of Mark, 11, and Jacob Iskander, who were killed in September 2020 in Westlake Village, California. The boys were struck by Grossman's speeding Mercedes SUV while at a pedestrian crossing. Erickson, who was racing his own Mercedes just ahead of Grossman, had been drinking margaritas with Grossman at a bar prior to the incident.

Grossman was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Although Erickson faced misdemeanor reckless driving charges related to the crash, these were later dismissed after he completed a public service announcement on safe driving.

Despite the lack of criminal charges against Erickson, the Iskander family named him as a defendant in their civil wrongful death lawsuit, asserting he bore equal responsibility for the fatal collision. The civil jury agreed, finding that Erickson and Grossman had "acted in concert." They were ordered to pay $176 million in compensatory damages jointly, with an additional $20 million and $1.17 million in punitive damages respectively. This allocated $88 million in compensatory damages to each.

However, Grossman had previously reached a confidential settlement with the Iskander family for $14 million. This settlement reduced Erickson's liability. Though a judge allowed him to reduce his share by $14 million, he remained liable for $74 million in compensatory damages, plus $1.17 million in punitive damages.

Erickson, a 15-season MLB veteran and 1991 World Series champion with the Minnesota Twins, has cited several grounds for his motions, including "newly discovered evidence," "jury misconduct," and "insufficient evidence." His attorneys are requesting that the judge either enter a new judgment in his favor, arguing the evidence was insufficient as a matter of law, or grant a conditional new trial unless the Iskander family agrees to a reduction in damages to an amount the court deems fair and reasonable.

A hearing is scheduled for November 12 to address Erickson's motions. The legal challenge comes as Grossman, currently incarcerated, has initiated divorce proceedings from her husband, Dr. Peter Grossman. Nancy Iskander, the mother of the deceased boys, has publicly expressed concerns that the divorce may be an attempt to shield assets from the judgment awarded to her family.