Former 49ers lineman Harris charged with attacking ex-boyfriend
Former San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Kwame Harris was assaulting his ex-boyfriend at a Bay Area restaurant during an argument, the San Mateo Daily Journal reported Monday.
The alleged victim, Dimitri Geier, also filed a civil suit against Harris for assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
In the lawsuit, Geier claims that Harris got upset when Geier poured soy sauce on a plate of rice and later pulled Geier's pants down and accused him of stealing his underwear.
A fight ensued in the parking lot, with Geier sustaining broken bones around his eye socket from punches thrown by Harris, according to the lawsuit. Geier had a metal plate installed in his face to repair the physical damage.
Harris' attorney, Alin Cintean, said Geier struck first, but because his injuries were worse, prosecutors elected to charge Harris.
"This really is a pure self-defense case," Cintean said. "(Harris) was attacked."
Harris was freed on $75,000 bail. He faces seven years in prison if convicted.
Harris was a first-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2003.
