Phish-y encounter with girl August 20, 2003 - New York Daily News By Jose Martinez [Phish Archive Disclaimer: Because the purpose of this site is to Archive Phish's relation to the media, I am going to archive all of the press (including incredibly poorly written tabloid style pieces) published about this "incident." This was a misunderstood event that was blown entirely out of proportion by the media. A joint statement from Mike Gordon, the girl's family, and Elektra Records states: "We have had several discussions regarding the situation that occurred at Jones Beach. It is now clear to all involved that this was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we look forward to putting this matter behind us."] The bassist for neohippie jam band Phish is in hot water over an alleged early morning encounter with a 9-year-old girl after a Dead concert at Jones Beach. Mike Gordon was busted by park police who accused him of taking the girl, the daughter of a Hell's Angel, from a backstage party to an off-limits boathouse after the Dead's Aug. 11 "Summer Getaway" show. "He was an authorized guest backstage," said Maj. Richard O'Donnell of the New York State Park Police. "But this particular boathouse is intended for state employees." Police showed up after the girl's frantic mother reported her missing, O'Donnell said, but the girl apparently had been found. WNBC-TV reported the Hell's Angels who were also at the party found Gordon first and exacted an unspecified punishment before police arrived. Gordon, of Tribeca, told police he had been snapping "art photos" of the girl, the station said. The musician, 38, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and trespassing, but the girl's family wants to let Gordon off the hook. In a joint statement, he and the girl's parents insisted there was nothing improper about the boathouse encounter. "It is now clear to all involved that this was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we look forward to putting this matter behind us," the statement read. Gordon is due back in Nassau County Court on Sept. 29, said Rich Hinshaw, a spokesman for the district attorney's office. Prosecutors are reviewing the police account before deciding whether to file charges. Article Copyright © 2003 New York Daily News