Attorney seeks assault charges against Rams star Aaron Donald for alleged club incident
A 26-year-old man who said Los Angeles Rams star defensive linemanΒ Aaron Donald assaulted him early Sunday in Pittsburgh filed a criminal complaint with Pittsburgh police, according to the manβs attorney and an Associated Press report.
DeβVincent Spriggs, 26, provided his account of the alleged attack during which he suffered 16 stiches to the head, a broken eye socket, a broken nose, a sprained or broken arm and a concussion during which he was assaulted by Donald and others, according to his attorney, Todd J. Hollis.
Hollis said it will be up to police to determine whether charges will be filed against Donald and others involved in the alleged incident.
Pittsburgh police confirmed to the Associated Press they were reviewing an assault complaint they received Wednesday. Police do not name suspects or the accused unless charges are filed. The department said it will consult with prosecutors who will decide if charges are warranted.
βThis was an initial interview,ββ Hollis told USA TODAY Β Sports. βIβm sure thereβs more information to be gathered. Iβm sure theyβre going to want to see potential video information, speak to witnesses who were at the scene and then theyβll make a determination as to what charges, if any, they believe should be filed.ββ
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Hollis said he has spoken to witnesses who corroborated details of the incident that allegedly took place at about 3 a.m. Sunday at aΒ nightclubΒ on East Carson Street in the city's South Side.
β(Spriggs) was in the nightclub and he accidentally bumped into Mr. Donald,ββ Hollis told USA TODAY Sports. βMr. Donald believed that (Spriggs) he bumped into him very hard. Mr. Spriggs apologized. That didnβt satisfy Mr. Donald. There was an incident that followed.
βThe young men were asked to leave the club. Both did. After my client exited the club, he attempted to leave. He was stopped by Mr. Donald, allegedly punched by Mr. Donald in concert with other individuals that were part of Mr. Donaldβs group.ββ
Hollis said Spriggs was taken by a friend to a hospital for treatment and Hollis released a photo that showed Spriggs with facial injuries and swelling.
Hollis said Spriggs is not from Pennsylvania and beyond that would say only his client was in Pennsylvania for temporary work. He said he has advised Spriggs to make no public statements.
The Rams issued a statement saying they are aware of he situation involving Donald, 29, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
"We are collecting more information and will have no further comment at this time," the Rams' statement said.
Contributing: Associated Press