The truck driver responsible for the deadly crash that sent Tracy Morgan to the hospital Saturday unleashed a Twitter rant Tuesday.
Kevin Roper, 35, has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault, and is due in court Wednesday. The criminal complaint filed alleged Roper had not slept more than 24 hours prior to the accident. But Roper used Twitter to declare his innocence and complain the police and the media are spreading lies because a celebrity is involved and a scapegoat needed.
The full statement is below, but basically Roper is frustrated because if he hadn’t run into someone famous, no one would care and he wouldn’t be facing criminal charges. He feels inexpressibly horrible about what happened (him rear-ending another car), but it definitely was not his fault.
Here’s the statement:
My statement on the unfortunate accident that happened Saturday: First off my prayers go out to all the families that were affected
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
my prayers to the man that passed away during the accident (Mr McNair) i wish it was me and i can't express how horrible i feel
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
As for the accident i have some things to get off my chest that the media and police have neglected to report. First off i never said i was
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
awake for 24 hours, not once did i say that to any law enforcement or media person. These are lies being spread because they are pressured
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
to make an arrest as this accident was being covered "NATIONALLY" because a famous person was involved.
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
Once again the accident was horrific and we lost a precious life, but please remember i was not drunk, high, (I was tested and passed)
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
under any influence of any drug or alcohol, i had an "ACCIDENT' which unfortunately occurred with a lot of media spotlight.
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
If my ACCIDENT occurs with no media spotlight i am issued a few traffic tickets. The excuse of me being up 24 hours is complete BS!
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
I was never charged at the scene of the accident because once again i was not guilty of any crime. Not until all the TV cameras came
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
did the police all of a sudden make a determination i was up 24 hours (sounds good and sells papers) also covers their ass
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014
So yes i am now most likely fu*ked because i had an unfortunate ACCIDENT with the wrong car that night.
— Kevin Roper (@Kevinmoneytalks) June 10, 2014