Varsity
04-10-2006, 11:28 AM
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2006/04/07/sports/pro/01962dd29f23629687257149000b07c0.txt
In the end, a six-member jury decided that Vines, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, had to pay $32,633 in damages to plaintiff Derek Erickson, including $24,833 in punitive awards. The civil trial stemmed from an April 7, 2003 incident in which Vines, his brother and Erickson got into an altercation during a pickup basketball game at a local gymnasium.
Vines, who started his Wyoming career on a basketball scholarship but played football in 2001 and 2002, was found guilty of reckless endangerment in 2003 and spent a night in jail for the incident. Erickson sued Vines in 2004 and refiled the suit about a year ago to recoup lost revenue from medical expenses. A doctor and dentist testified during the trial that Erickson has irreparable damage to his vision and dental structure.
After the final verdict was read Thursday night, Vines stood in the middle of the courtroom, barely moving. As Vines left the courthouse, Erickson told him “Good luck on your football career,” but Vines only lifted his right arm to acknowledge the plaintiff.
In the end, a six-member jury decided that Vines, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, had to pay $32,633 in damages to plaintiff Derek Erickson, including $24,833 in punitive awards. The civil trial stemmed from an April 7, 2003 incident in which Vines, his brother and Erickson got into an altercation during a pickup basketball game at a local gymnasium.
Vines, who started his Wyoming career on a basketball scholarship but played football in 2001 and 2002, was found guilty of reckless endangerment in 2003 and spent a night in jail for the incident. Erickson sued Vines in 2004 and refiled the suit about a year ago to recoup lost revenue from medical expenses. A doctor and dentist testified during the trial that Erickson has irreparable damage to his vision and dental structure.
After the final verdict was read Thursday night, Vines stood in the middle of the courtroom, barely moving. As Vines left the courthouse, Erickson told him “Good luck on your football career,” but Vines only lifted his right arm to acknowledge the plaintiff.