Ex-Astros pitcher says police beating ended career

HOUSTON Brandon Backe testified in federal court Tuesday that the beating ended his baseball career. He says he can no longer use his right arm for such simple tasks as tucking in a shirt.

Backe in his lawsuit says he and others were beaten during a wedding party at an outdoor bar. The Houston Chronicle reports that police argue the accusations are exaggerated and any force used during a confrontation with party-goers was justified.

Backe was an important part of an Astros rotation that helped lead the team to the 2005 World Series, where they lost to the Chicago White Sox.