Waddle's attorney says client deserves reward

Advertiser Staff

The attorney for the former captain of the USS Greeneville said he hopes his client can be "rewarded" with a book or movie deal to tell his story.

In an e-mail responding to a series of questions from The Advertiser, Charles Gittins said Cmdr. Scott Waddle has made a series of high-profile media appearances in recent days "because he was asked to tell his story."

"He could easily have done 300 based on the requests. He chose three electronic and one print outlet that would cover the most ground so that he could answer all of the ridiculous questions and then be done with the press."

Asked if there was an impending book or movie deal for Waddle, Gittins replied: "I hope so. It would be an appropriate way for Scott to be rewarded for what has been an incredibly difficult time."

Waddle was in command of the Greeneville when it accidentally struck and sank a Japanese high school training vessel off O'ahu on Feb. 9. Nine boys and men on the Ehime Maru died.

Last week, the Navy found Waddle guilty of negligence. He will retire from the service.

Asked how the families of the Ehime Maru victims may perceive Waddle's recent media appearances, Gittins replied:

"They have heard much of what he has said, although they heard it firsthand, as was appropriate. I don't think that they get the "Today" show or "Dateline" in Japan. ... We have been advised through the Navy channels that the families are thinking about trying to sue Scott personally; I would think that would explain how the families feel."