Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips has been sued by a security guard who claims that Phillips punched the guard in the face in April 2009. The trial previously had been scheduled for later in the month, and Phillips tried to delay the matter until the 2010 season has ended.
Phillips tried, and he failed.
Though he won’t be required to missing training camp or any preseason games, Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the trial has been set for October 4, a day after the Chargers host the Cardinals -- and six days before they travel to Oakland for a game against the Raiders.
It would have made more sense to schedule the trial during the team’s bye, which begins on November 8.
Phillips previously was cited for misdemeanor battery as a result of the incident. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges due to a lack of evidence.
It’s unknown whether the Chargers will excuse Phillips from practice so that he can attend the trial. It’s also possible that the judge specifically picked the date in order to place pressure on Phillips to settle the case.
Any lawyer who ever had a trial set to begin on the Monday after Thanksgiving and/or Christmas knows exactly what I mean.
