A federal jury awarded $260,000 on Monday to one of two men who sued NBA star Allen Iverson after they said they were beaten by his entourage at a Washington nightclub.
The jury’s decision against Iverson and his bodyguard, Jason Kane, covers bar patron Marlin Godfrey’s medical bills and pain and suffering. Jurors later rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that Godfrey should be awarded punitive damages.
Godfrey and another patron, David Anthony Kittrell, sued the Denver Nuggets guard for $20 million, saying they were beaten by his entourage in July 2005. The attacks, they said, followed their refusal to vacate the Eyebar club’s VIP section for Iverson.
Iverson testified last week that he didn’t see the fight, and was whisked out of the club before the brawl became serious. He said the two men suing him were merely trying to cash in on his fame and fortune. Iverson’s 90-minute testimony was the only court appearance he made during the case.
The nine-member jury in U.S. District Court deliberated for about 13 hours over three days before reaching its verdict.
The jury found that Kane was liable for assaulting Godfrey, who was awarded $250,000 for pain and suffering and $10,000 for his medical bills. Iverson was found negligent for failing to supervise Kane. The jury did not find either of the men liable for assaulting Kittrell.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Gregory L. Lattimer, told jurors that punitive damages were needed to send Iverson the message that he needs to take responsibility for the people who work for him. He also noted that Iverson earns $23 million a year.
The lawsuit said Iverson was responsible for the brawl because he failed to properly supervise Kane and Williams — but it did not claim he took part in the fight. The suit also accused Kane of assault and battery for allegedly beating Godfrey with items that included a bottle.
Iverson faces another lawsuit for another nightclub fight involving his security in Hampton, Va. That happened less than two weeks before the Washington fight.