November 17, 2010
DOCUMENT: Bizarre, Celebrity, Crime

Man Shoots TV Over Bristol Palin Dancing

Suspect surrendered after 15-hour standoff with cops

Bristol Palin

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Palin DWTS Shooting

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NOVEMBER 17--Like most Americans, Steven Cowan has been perplexed by Bristol Palin’s curious ability to keep advancing in TV’s "Dancing with the Stars" competition.

However, unlike other viewers, Cowan, 67, allegedly became so enraged by Palin’s success that he actually fired a shotgun round into his television, triggering a 15-hour standoff with Wisconsin cops.

According to a criminal complaint, Cowan’s wife called police Monday evening to report that her husband had blasted the TV and was threatening to kill himself. Cowan, who had been drinking, became angry while watching Palin, 20, perform on the ABC program.

As Palin, pictured at left, was dancing, Cowan “jumped up and swore, saying something to the effect of, ‘The fucking politics.’ Steven was upset that a political figure’s daughter was dancing on this particular show when Steven did not think that she was a good dancer,” the complaint notes. Cowan is pictured in the above mug shot.

Janice Cowan told Dane County Sheriff's Office deputies that she called 911 after her husband blasted the TV and then pointed the shotgun at her. She added that Cowan warned her that he would kill himself if she brought anyone back to their home in the town of Vermont.

After a lengthy standoff with cops, Cowan surrendered yesterday at 11 AM. He is facing disorderly conduct and weapons charges.

He was sitting in the Dane County jail last night when Palin landed a spot in the “Dancing with the Stars” finals. However, a sheriff’s spokesperson told TSG that Cowan “currently does not have access to television.” (3 pages)

Palin DWTS Shooting

TAGS

Dancing with the Stars, Bristol Palin

Comments (77)

Submitted by Walter Shapilrock jr. (not verified) on Fri, 2010-12-31 19:39.
If there was ever a time to have shot a TV, surely it would have been at some point during the life and times of Peter Jennings. I don't watch TV but think it would have been worth watching (but not paying the cable bill) if the Palin chic had flashed her baby feeders to us.
Submitted by Acacia59 on Sat, 2010-11-20 08:28.
They will have to put him on suicide watch if he finds out that Bristol Palin actually made it to the finals!
Submitted by Balls of STEEL on Wed, 2010-12-22 23:20.
He did the right thing in destroying the TV set. One down.....billions to go
Submitted by sweetiepie on Fri, 2010-11-19 15:06.
What is all of this talk about left and right. Let's look at the big picture. I have watched DWTS for years and the results have always been determined mostly by the call-in voters. Bristol is still there because her mom has a huge fan base that is voting for her. They do not care if she can dance or not. It is all based on popularity. It is simple -- people call in and vote for the couple. Brandy, Audrina and Rick were all better dancers and got voted off because enough people did not vote for them. So, we might as well face the fact that Bristol will probably become runner-up based on phone votes and not on her dancing abilities. Look at what happened last season. Would you actually say that Donnie Osmond was a better dancer than Mya? He has a larger fan base so he won, fair or not. That is just the way it is. By the way, I am the biggest Keith Olbermann fan that there is, but I know how to look at a situation the way that it is without using personal attacks to get my point across.
Submitted by RoKDutCh on Fri, 2010-11-19 12:04.
I thought only Conservatives were supposed to do things like this? Also ... How is someone that made the mistake of getting knocked up and having to live with the consequences NOT the best choice for an abstinence campaign? *boggle*
Submitted by 0degreesK on Fri, 2010-11-19 09:12.
Steve Corwan is my nomination for Time's "Person Of The Year" or whatever it's called. "This *** politics." My new favorite quote.
Submitted by nwflconservative on Fri, 2010-11-19 08:12.
As if we need any further proof that liberalism is a social and mental disease. But wait, I thought it was "enlightened" progressives who continuously condemn conservatives for being narrow minded and out of control. So much for the "tolerant" left. Tolerant as long as you subscribe to their agendas. If you disagree, expect personal or physical attacks.
Submitted by Jeff225 on Thu, 2010-11-18 14:29.
Hey -- he was simply applying a "Second Amendment Remedy" to the way people text vote. Got a problem with that?
Submitted by cletab on Thu, 2010-11-18 12:20.
THIS IS THE WORSE DANCING WITH THE STARS I HAVE EVER SEEN AND I HAVE SEEN THEM ALL. ALL THE GOOD DANCERS GET VOTED OFF AND A GIRL THAT CAN'T DANCE STAYS ON THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG HERE, WHO IS GETTING PAID TO KEEP BRISTOL ON, IF SHE WIN THE TROPHY I WILL NEVER WATCH THIS SHOW AGAIN
Submitted by JBC on Thu, 2010-11-18 13:39.
Liberals are going nuts about this. LOL at the libs.
Submitted by WillYablome on Thu, 2010-11-18 11:35.
They don't call her "Bristol The Pistol" for nothing...
Submitted by JBC on Wed, 2010-11-17 23:43.
Bubba Shot the Jukebox Last Night is a country song that fits perfect.
Submitted by August on Wed, 2010-11-17 22:54.
I just registered because there seems to be so many comments from the looney left and I like to make fun of y'all.
Submitted by bunnyknows on Wed, 2010-11-17 23:54.
Imagine if Conservatives shot the tv every time we saw liberals on TV.
Submitted by JBC on Wed, 2010-11-17 23:45.
August, Me too.
Submitted by SAABwmnAKAmafiaMom on Wed, 2010-11-17 21:45.
My Husband and I happened to rent from Steve Cowan and his lovely wife, Janice for 2 years until last Sunday. Yes, the day before he shot the TV and fortunately didn't shoot his wife or himself. We were their neighbors for the last 2 years. They are both very kind people. This unfortunately happened due to some alcohol mixed with his Bi-Polar disorder and the unfortunate financial circumstances of investing in property prior to the recession. Many people are in similar situations due to the recession. He is indeed passionate about his political views. And those of us who have a political mind at all tend to feel the way we do because of our passion for the party we each represent. This by no means gives anyone the right to name call due to someone's actions. As it was stated by several other writer's don't be haters.
Submitted by killshot71 on Fri, 2010-11-19 12:08.
Wow. What a compassionate and understanding post. He's lucky to have people like you in his life.
Submitted by nwflconservative on Fri, 2010-11-19 08:10.
"He is indeed passionate about his political views."...........I think DERANGED is a much more appropriate description of this loon's actions. I am very passionate about my political views as well, but I have never shot my TV when I watch Keith Olberwoman on MSNBC when I want a good laugh. And he is worth several good laughs. A first class liberal loon.
Submitted by tootsfolks on Wed, 2010-11-17 21:40.
This guy is in need of people's prayers. He's taking a TV show way too seriously. Also Bristol Palin has improved tremendously as the show has gone on and you can tell each time that she really expects to be eliminated. But if you see her interaction with people, you can see that she reacts to others on the show with respect and affection. She's adorable and sweet and is trying her very best which some people seem to think is pretty good. Besides how many more whining "big stars" are we supposed to listen to when this young girl comes on the show with basically no experience in show business and does this well. It's the American dream in a bizarre reality TV show style. Get over it everybody. It's entertainment so change the channel if you don't like it.
Submitted by hectorheath on Wed, 2010-11-17 21:05.
My wife and I believe that DWTS is one of the most brilliantly produced shows on TV. Regarding the results, there's always a danger of a miscarriage of justice when you let anonymous viewers weigh in. There have been several times in past seasons when the best dancer failed to win. Bristol has improved dramatically, and, as a non-performer, has done remarkably well. Is she better than Brandy? Of course not. Same with Adriana and Rick Fox. Curt Warner, also. But this is the same country that produced the OJ Simpson jury. To take DWTS seriously as a "competition," the public's votes should be replaced by voting by the other pro dancers who are no longer involved in the competition. I think I trust the opinions of Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, Edwina S, Louis VanAmstel, etc., rather than an American Idol type format.
Submitted by bunnyknows on Wed, 2010-11-17 23:55.
Did I just read the words "miscarriage of justice" in regard to a television dancing competition? Really?
Submitted by LoveasGodloved on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:41.
I know Mr. Cowan. Let us remember his wife was not harmed, he did not harm himself, and we must pray for him and his family. We must thank God for the police coming to help in this tragic situation and thank God it didn't get worse. Mr. Cowan needs our prayers, and we pray he will be helped. Please stop disparaging remarks. I don't watch TV, so I didn't see Bristol dance, but if it is a popularity vote, as one person commented, then that settles it. Popularity is the factor in the voting, so everyone has a say. Accept the outcome of the popularity voting. Show good sportsmanship. Please! Thank you.
Submitted by stevei on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:57.
To loveasGodloved. Are you saying if it hadn't been a popular vote it would have been okay to shoot out the TV?
Submitted by Ursus Indomitus on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:40.
Typical moonbat. I'm surprised this made it to ANY media at all. Wisconsin is FULL of idiot leftists. But then, what, you can't shoot your own TV? This guy's wife is a REAL weenie. Libtwurds.
Submitted by Da Noid on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:33.
Wasn't this what Sharron Angle had in mind when she talked about "Second Amendment Remedies"? Just askin'. PS - Are you kidding me? Some nutcase shoots his TV and some of you actually treat this as some kind of political statement? Get real.
Submitted by Rufus on Wed, 2010-11-17 18:06.
Wow, I had no idea it was so easy to get liberals locked away...Heck, I'm going to watch and vote next week in the hopes that some of you leftist whack jobs will go the next step and off yourselves if she wins.
Submitted by dubsnstuff on Wed, 2010-11-17 17:36.
What makes this more interesting is the guy was a member of the town board. http://www.townofvermont.com/electedofficials.htm
Submitted by overthetop on Wed, 2010-11-17 17:15.
I agree with the above poster, the guy probably blew his TV away because he was sick of politics invading everything, even his favorite dancing show, and all the crazy and hate that comes with it...like this comment thread for example. To the Left: it's not a conspiracy that Palin is winning, she's well liked, people vote for her, it's how all reality shows like this work. Stop getting your panties in a bunch over a dancer on a tv show, you could always just vote for the other guy anyway. To the Right: A nutty guy blowing away his tv doesn't confirm all of your conspiracy theories about the left. Stop getting your panties in a bunch of people critizing a dancer on a tv show, you could always just vote for her anyway.
Submitted by HwyIDTU on Wed, 2010-11-17 15:37.
This guy is the face of the "Tolerant Left." LOL! And of course there is a political connection to this - any of you incoherent Liberals say any different you just reveal your shallowness of education even more so!
Submitted by beezdotcom on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:58.
I shoot my TV every time DWTS comes on...because it is DWTS.
Submitted by Smitty on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:44.
Further proof that loony lefty donkeycrats are too stupid to own or operate guns.
Submitted by Thisisit on Wed, 2010-11-17 15:15.
Haha I love how you people love to take somthing so completely not political and make it political.........as soon as americans realize neither side is good and stop aruing amongst each other about petty inconsequential bullshiat we might be able to get this country back on track. This guy was just fed up with poitics inundating every aspect of his life.....and he was drunk!
Submitted by SayCheez on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:55.
Guns don't kill TV's, wackjob mentally ill liberals kill TV's...his defense is "Bush made me do it." *Update* Dear Leader Obama has just named Steven Cowan as the Fairness in Television Czar. Cowan's main function will be to travel the US and kill TV's of those who are watching any programs that conflict with the Dear Leader Obama's message.
Submitted by aenaz on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:03.
I see where Sarah Palin spends her money, she has paid off the whole state of Alaska to vote to keep her daughter in the show. The show is all politics this season. The whole world know Bristol CANNOT dance. My dog dances better than her and I don't even own a dog, lol, go figure. Again, my kitties dance better than her. She has no poise no charisma and definitely no moves, she is as stiff as a stick. Yes is all about growth but a big dramatic growth not one little tiny notch. This years dancing with the stars has been a joke a comedy with BRISTOL as a clown or should I say a fool, thanks for her mom's help.
Submitted by nwflconservative on Fri, 2010-11-19 08:20.
"she has paid off the whole state of Alaska to vote to keep her daughter in the show."...........Yes that's right aenez. It's all a part of that vast right wing conspiracy. You and Cowardly Cowan should share a semi-private room in the looney bin. The two of you could talk for hours on those fascist, rabid Conservatives and how they are destroying this country. Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.......
Submitted by bunnyknows on Wed, 2010-11-17 23:56.
The whole world also knows that that liberals are sore losers.
Submitted by Ken Taylor on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:11.
You want a little whine with your cheese??
Submitted by Ursus Indomitus on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:46.
This mook has PLENTY of whine already, and is VERY cheesy. He's good to go.
Submitted by bignels2 on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:02.
The reason Palin keeps winning is because she is just liked by millions, just like that fat pig michael Moore, he has no idea how to run a company but millions like him because he cries & makes up lies about industries to make money & liberal morons belive him & his hate & stupidity & he gets rich from it.
Submitted by Bob G. on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:49.
Wow! Such hatred. Such vile, ugly hatred!
Submitted by Ursus Indomitus on Wed, 2010-11-17 20:46.
Welcome to the American left.
Submitted by lmcde00 on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:53.
I agree! This is a TV SHOW!! If you don't like it, don't watch it. But it's not worth getting upset about. There are so many worse things out there....so really, should we be wasting our time getting upset over this?? Really...taking this so seriously is just ridiculous!
Submitted by Andrew Hardy on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:08.
After reading your comment, I wanna watch this show 4 the 1st time, purchase a gun and shoot my TV out just so I can send you a link 2 the YouTube video and say "I'll get upset about whatever I damn plz, whenever I damn plz, so there! If Elvis Presley can do it, so can I!"
Submitted by FireWater on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:48.
I watch this show religiously. I can say that Bristol is the most remarkable dancer, but not the best dancer. I say she's remarkable because she's the only mom out there dancing and the only non-performer in the group. Probably Jennifer Grey is the best dancer, Brandy a close second best, imo. The fat black boy is not good, like watching jello wiggle. Bristle is a superior dancer to the fat black boy, making her third best overall. Bristol looks pretty good dancing, she just hasn't performed the "acting" part of the dance very well, something that Brandy laid on pretty thick. For those upset about Brandy getting axed, just remember that the beautiful Audrina Patridge was axed after receiving the best score, likely because her fan base doesn't watch DWTS.
Submitted by aenaz on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:33.
Bristol has no poise no charisma and definitely no moves, she is as stiff as a stick. Yes is all about growth but a big dramatic growth as Kyle did not a small tiny notch like she did. It's all politics, this years dancing with the stars has been a joke a comedy with BRISTOL as the clown or should I say a fool, she can thank her mom for it and maybe when she matures she'll look back and recent her mother for making her look like a fool in front of the whole US and probably other countries.
Submitted by drom2c on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:54.
Wow, you're watching a different show than I am. To say she has no charisma is bogus because that is the whole reason she has been staying. Her and Kyle (so did Kurt) come off as humble and real, and people like that, which is why I have voted for them. That is charisma to me. Both of them have gotten better every week, which helps. She does a better waltz than any of the others because of her smoothness and lines, not her "moves" as you call them. PS... don't be hater, bad for the heart.
Submitted by So_What on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:43.
Voters are entitled to place their vote based on any criteria they choose. Get over it. Perhaps she is not the best, but most popular dancer, but afterall, it is only a TV program. In a similar fashion, the current president was elected to office based solely on popularity or possibly skin color, most definitely not on qualifications. And I would expect that in his case, truly MOST Americans are perplexed on how he got elected. Democratic (a.k.a. demonic) obscession with hatred for anyone who disagrees with their beliefs is worrisome.
Submitted by aenaz on Wed, 2010-11-17 14:45.
WOW mam, talking about demonic hate, you sound like you need some help, I will say a prayer for you tonight.
Submitted by nwflconservative on Fri, 2010-11-19 08:32.
Actually aenaz, it is YOU that sound like you need professional help.
Submitted by cdpars on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:32.
Palin's victory has little to do with politics. Two weeks ago, Max verberally roughed up Carrie Ann. His remarks afterwards was laced with profanities directed at Carrie Ann (these were bleeped). The following week, Carrie Ann tried to smooth things over by asking Max to put her comments behind him, "You've got to let it go." He had some other bleeped remarks about it. Contestents and dances come and go, but Carrie Ann is a likeable fixture to the show. When Max backtalked Carrie Ann, the downward spiral among voters began. Brandy was not axed by the public, Max was. Don't expect Max to be back on the show next season. He has worn his welcome out, so to speak.
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