On the same day that one player has been suspended for past misdeeds learned of a one-year suspension and the same day that another player might follow his reinstatement after a two-year absence with an NFL contract, yet another player faces the possibility of a verdict that could put him out of action for an extended period, too.
Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall is on trial today in Atlanta. He is charged with battery, arising from a March 4, 2008 between Marshall and his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley.
Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post is updating the proceedings from the courthouse. A jury of four women and six men has been picked, and as of this posting the Court has recessed for lunch.
If convicted, Marshall could be in line for a lengthy suspension.
But it likely will be difficult for prosecutors to overcome the high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. As we pointed out in the wake of an ESPN investigative segment regarding Marshall and Watley, the alleged victim has some serious credibility issues.
Her biggest challenge will be to explain away this July 29, 2008 letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “My name is Rasheedah Watley, I am the ex girlfriend of Brandon Marshall. I read in the newspapers that he is in trouble with the league because of me. I will let you know that he never hurt me or hit me, I was pressured by my family to make up certain things [to] get money. I was told to say that Brandon hit me and hurt me so that I could get him to pay to keep me quiet. I want you to know he never did.”
In other words, “reasonable doubt.”
