A minor league baseball team is stepping up to bat for Britney
Spears.
The Newark Bears announced plans to host Britney Spears Baby Safety Night on
Friday in honor of the pop star who has been repeatedly slammed for her cavalier
approach to driving with her toddler son.
Spears first faced public wrath in February after she was photographed
driving with her now 11-month-old son, Sean Preston, on her lap, rather than
safely restrained in a car seat, as required by California law.
The "Oops" singer later copped to making a bad decision, but ultimately
blamed the "physically aggressive" paparazzi for putting her in a "horrifying,
frightful" situation.
She also defended herself, pointing out that as a child back home in
Louisiana, she often sat on her father's lap while driving. "We're country,"
Spears stated.
In May, she was again photographed in a less-than-ideal driving situation
with Sean Preston strapped into his car seat, but facing forward rather than
backward, as experts advise for children of his age and weight. The singer's rep
spoke up in her defense, pointing out that Spears was in "total compliance" with
legal guidelines, if not safety recommendations.
Hopefully, by the time number two arrives, Spears will have polished her
maternal motoring skills. If not, at least others may learn from her mistakes.
On the team's official Website, the Bears said that the star's mishaps
raised public awareness of an important issue.
"The Bears know that it is Ms. Spears' celebrity that has brought
attention to the fact that not all new mothers in New Jersey are 'not that
innocent' when it comes to caring for their bouncing bundle of joy," the team
said in a statement.
Baseball fans who show up to Friday's showdown against the appropriately
named Road Warriors will receive information on baby safety guidelines and a
chance to win a free infant car seat from the American Automobile Association.
The event will also feature a surprise appearance by a singing and
dancing guest, whom the team would not name.
Those willing to subject themselves to the humiliation of dressing up
like a baby can get into the game for free. Those who bring babies (under the
age of four) or baby toys will also have their admission fee waived.
No word if there's any benefit to those who show up dressed like Spears
or her other half, Kevin Federline.