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NFL’s Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) and Chris Lammons (Cincinnati Bengals) both pleaded not guilty to charges of assault in Las Vegas on Friday; He was accused of beating a man unconscious before the NFL’s 2022 Pro Bowl
Last updated: 02/03/23 10:06
Alvin Kamara pleaded not guilty in Nevada to assault charges
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and three others pleaded not guilty Thursday in Nevada to charges of beating a man unconscious at a Las Vegas Strip nightclub ahead of the NFL’s 2022 Pro Bowl.
Kamara appeared alongside Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lammons and co-defendants Darrin Young and Percy Harris in state court.
He could face trial on July 31, according to a schedule set by the judge.
The four were each charged with felonies and misdemeanors for allegedly punching, kicking and stomping on Darnell Greene Jr. from Houston during an altercation outside the elevator.
“Not guilty, your honor,” said Kamara, who played in the league’s all-star game the day after the alleged attack.
Kamara and three other men are accused of beating a man unconscious at a Las Vegas Strip nightclub ahead of the NFL’s 2022 Pro Bowl (pictured)
Police questioned him after the game and he was arrested on February 6, 2022 on suspicion of felony battery causing bodily harm. Lammons, Young and Harris were arrested a day later.
A felony battery charge can result in one to five years in state prison. Conspiracy to commit battery is punishable by 364 days in county jail.
Kamara’s attorney has framed the altercation as self-defense by Kamara and criticized prosecutors for taking the case to a grand jury, where testimony is taken and evidence is presented behind closed doors.
Outside court on Thursday, attorney David Chesnoff said only that Kamara expects a trial “and full justification.”
Attorneys representing Young and Harris declined to comment.
Lammons’ attorney, Ross Goodman, acknowledged that Lammons assaulted Greene, but called it a “measured response” as he was shoved or shoved in the hallway of the nightclub.
The attorney said Lammons, 27, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, then tried to pull someone else over.
Fellow NFL player Chris Lammons also pleaded not guilty in court
Greene was treated for broken bones in his eye, and reported injuries to his neck, back, shoulder and knee, according to police and the court in New Orleans.
“At no point during this attack did Greene hit, punch or push Kamara or his friends,” Las Vegas police said in an arrest report.
Police said the incident began when Kamara put his hand on Greene’s chest to prevent him from entering the elevator, Greene pushed the football player’s arm away, and the person with Kamara hit Greene.
In a police report, detectives said: “When asked why Kamara punched Greene, Kamara indicated that Greene was running away and had done something to his group, so he chased after him and punched Greene several times.”
New Orleans Saints running back Kamara at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas
Greene has a civil lawsuit pending against Kamara in a New Orleans court, seeking at least $10m in damages.
“Mr. Greene just tried to get in the elevator and was beaten almost to death,” Greene’s lawyer in Houston, Tony Buzbee, said in an email on Friday.
Buzbee said the civil suit is on hold pending the outcome of the Las Vegas case.
Kamara, 27, is one of the top running backs in the NFL. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2017 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons. He finished the 2022 season with nearly 1,400 yards rushing and passing from scrimmage and four touchdowns.
The Saints on Thursday said the team is closely monitoring the Las Vegas case but declined to comment further.
Lammons has played in the NFL since 2018 for the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was claimed off waivers in January by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bengal did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment.
League officials said the NFL would not comment until the case is resolved.
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