Ex-49er Kwame Harris Charged in Ex-Boyfriend Assault
Former NFL player Kwame Harris has been charged with allegedly attacking his ex-boyfriend outside a California restaurant.
And before you reread that, yes, Harris is accused of attacking his ex-boyfriend -- confirming that gay people once played (and perhaps currently play) professional football.
Kwame Harris was the San Francisco 49ers' first-round pick in 2003 and played offensive tackle for five seasons. He and his ex-beau, Dimitri Geier, apparently got into a heated argument over soy sauce and underwear, reports the San Mateo Daily Journal.
The incident happened in August, but details were not made public until now. Geier allegedly poured soy sauce over a plate of rice, which got Harris upset. Later in the parking lot, Harris allegedly tried to pull down Geier's pants and accused him of stealing his underwear, the Daily Journal reports. The men then began trading punches.
Harris has been charged with felony domestic violence and assault. Geier reportedly suffered facial fractures in the fight and required surgery.
While police say that they clearly have enough evidence to pursue assault charges, the domestic violence charges may be more uncertain. The two men used to live together and had an off- and on-again relationship, but it's not clear if the two were actually a couple at the time of the incident.
In California, only individuals involved in certain relationships can be charged with domestic violence. So if Harris and Geier were not actually together or living together, domestic violence charges may not be appropriate.
Harris has pleaded not guilty to both charges, saying that he acted in self-defense. Geier has also filed a civil complaint against Harris, who denies all of Geier's claims.
Related Resources:
- Former 49er, Raider Kwame Harris charged with assaulting ex-boyfriend (USA Today)
- Terrell Suggs Ordered to Turn Over Guns in Domestic Case (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
- What Led to Chiefs Linebacker Jovan Belcher's Murder-Suicide? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)