Alleged Assault Victim Files Lawsuit Against Pouncey Brothers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and his twin brother who plays for the Miami Dolphins are facing a lawsuit following allegations that they assaulted a man at a nightclub in Miami.
The Pouncey twins are denying any involvement in the alleged incident.
Riquan James, also known as Ricky Vasquez, says he arrived on Miami Beach at the Cameo Nightclub early Saturday morning.
He says he had been invited by a friend, but was unaware it was a birthday party for the Pouncey twins as he jostled his way through the crowd.
"The shoving got harder and I realized it was directed at me, so I asked the brothers, 'Don't touch me,'" said James.
He says he was beaten up by the Pounceys and the clubs' bouncers, and then thrown out.
James says there were derogatory slurs made based on his sexual preferences. He claims they were peppered at him by the Pounceys and their group, which led to the altercation.
Shortly after the incident, James said he didn't know who the Pounceys were and someone else told him they were involved.
But his attorney, in announcing the suit against the NFL twins, says, "I do have information from independent witnesses that the Pouncey brothers, Maurkice and Mike, were involved in the incident."
Mike is the center for the Miami Dolphins, and Maurkice is the Steelers' snapper. The brothers are denying any involvement in the altercation.
Their attorney, Jeff Ostrow, released this statement:
"Mike and Maurkice were not involved in any altercation with the accuser or anyone else that night and did nothing wrong. It appears that the accuser is an opportunist seeking attention and possible financial gain. Any attempt by the accuser or anyone else to bring an action against them based upon these false allegations will be vigorously defended. If the accuser continues to perpetuate these lies, we will bring an action against him."
No charges have been filed in the case.
At last word, Miami Beach Police said despite his claims on social media and in his press conference, the victim has not spoken with investigators.
RELATED LINKS:
Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey And Brother Accused Of Miami Nightclub Assault (7/12/14)
CBS Miami: Victims Of Alleged Altercation With Pouncey Twins Announce Lawsuit (7/15/14)
More News on Maurkice Pouncey
More News on Mike Pouncey from CBS Miami
More Steelers News
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