On the same day that one player has been suspended for past misdeeds learned of a one-year suspension and the same day that another player might follow his reinstatement after a two-year absence with an NFL contract, yet another player faces the possibility of a verdict that could put him out of action for an extended period, too.
Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall is on trial today in Atlanta. He is charged with battery, arising from a March 4, 2008 between Marshall and his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley.
Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post is updating the proceedings from the courthouse. A jury of four women and six men has been picked, and as of this posting the Court has recessed for lunch.
If convicted, Marshall could be in line for a lengthy suspension.
But it likely will be difficult for prosecutors to overcome the high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. As we pointed out in the wake of an ESPN investigative segment regarding Marshall and Watley, the alleged victim has some serious credibility issues.
Her biggest challenge will be to explain away this July 29, 2008 letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "My name is Rasheedah Watley, I am the ex girlfriend of Brandon
Marshall. I read in the newspapers that he is in trouble with the
league because of me. I will let you know that he never hurt me or hit
me, I was pressured by my family to make up certain things [to] get
money. I was told to say that Brandon hit me and hurt me so that I
could get him to pay to keep me quiet. I want you to know he never
did."
In other words, "reasonable doubt."
Brandon Marshall's trial gets rolling
Posted by Mike Florio on August 13, 2009 1:07 PM ET
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Rasheedah Watley
To quote the great Humpty Hump.
She's a money making ho!
he lost a fight witha mcdonalds' bag.
nuff said.
Rasheedah Watley...SUPER-genius. I wonder if her middle initial is "E", like the coyote?
That letter to Goodell gave me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I guess it's a good thing, though, that her conscience bothered her enough so as to make her come clean.
P.S. Will you PLEASE fix this login issue?!?
Facts...that was way off base dude...if u read all the police reports you will see that this trail of abuse goes back a number of years and she is obviously exhibiting the classic signs of battered women's syndrome...
more than likely it was marshall who convinced her to write that letter to the goddell b/c he was fearful his career would be over if convicted..
this issue is no joke...go back and read the countless times police was called to their residence whether it was in Denver or Atlanta for domestic violence
So first she claims that Marshall abused her, then she recants her claims and states that Marshall never hit her and that she was pressured by family to get money from him. Then she recants her previous recantation, admitting that they did have a fight but SHE was in fact the aggressor and Marshall did not retaliate in any form.
Well, this should be interesting.
DR
My comments don't in anyway support Marshall's actions.
But when she states "I will let you know that he never hurt me or hit me, I was pressured by my family to make up certain things [to] get money."
My "joking" comment from the greatest rap song ever is justified.
http://www.mp3lyrics.org/d/digital-underground/good-thing-were-rappin/
Maybe she's looking for another pay day.
What good is being an NFL player if you can't crack a few skulls now and then without repercussion?
Shaun Phillips got off scot free why not Marshall?
Let's hope the six men are Charger fans.
Although if they were half of them probably won't show up.
Man I hope he gets suspended.
More games lost = better draft pick for the Hawks :)
Sam Bradford, here we come!
Humpty Hump also once got busy in a Burger King Bathroom.
He apparently didn't get caught, maybe Rick Pitino should have went there instead.
The humpty danceeee is your chanceee to do the hump!
Facts..i did appreciate the old school reference though! :)
this is going to be a great spectacle,let the games begin.