Sweets
07-15-2007, 05:12 PM
Source: Carlos Illescas, Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6363486)
A man who alleges Broncos wide receiver David Kircus punched him outside his house earlier this year testified Thursday that he never saw the punch that felled him. "It was just a pop and flash and then I realized I was on the ground on my hands and knees," Jeff Krieger said during Kircus' preliminary hearing.
After the testimony, a judge determined there was probable cause to continue toward trial. Kircus will be arraigned next month. Kircus, 27, has been charged with felony assault after the incident in Krieger's driveway on South Krameria Way in Centennial at about 4 a.m. May 20. Kircus faces five to 16 years in prison if convicted. Kircus has said he was acting in self-defense. Krieger, 26, testified that Kircus showed up at his house early May 20, after he had been talking to Leslie Schote, one of several women Krieger was partying with that night to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.
After Schote got upset with Kircus, Krieger said he tried to get the player to leave peacefully. After trying several times, he escorted Kircus out of his home through the garage. Krieger testified that as the two walked, Kircus said, "Once we get to the end of the driveway, you're not protected anymore." Krieger said after the punch, Kircus stood over him and said,"You don't know what I am capable of." Krieger had multiple fractures in his face
He was the only person to testify Thursday. After the hearing, Kircus promptly left the courthouse without commenting.
Defense attorney Harvey Steinberg noted repeatedly that Krieger had been drinking and that his memory of the events might have been clouded. Under oath, Krieger said he had at least 10 alcoholic drinks that night.
Krieger testified he never punched Kircus.
After the incident, Kircus took a lie-detector test, and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he passed it and believes the fourth-year player acted in self-defense.
A man who alleges Broncos wide receiver David Kircus punched him outside his house earlier this year testified Thursday that he never saw the punch that felled him. "It was just a pop and flash and then I realized I was on the ground on my hands and knees," Jeff Krieger said during Kircus' preliminary hearing.
After the testimony, a judge determined there was probable cause to continue toward trial. Kircus will be arraigned next month. Kircus, 27, has been charged with felony assault after the incident in Krieger's driveway on South Krameria Way in Centennial at about 4 a.m. May 20. Kircus faces five to 16 years in prison if convicted. Kircus has said he was acting in self-defense. Krieger, 26, testified that Kircus showed up at his house early May 20, after he had been talking to Leslie Schote, one of several women Krieger was partying with that night to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.
After Schote got upset with Kircus, Krieger said he tried to get the player to leave peacefully. After trying several times, he escorted Kircus out of his home through the garage. Krieger testified that as the two walked, Kircus said, "Once we get to the end of the driveway, you're not protected anymore." Krieger said after the punch, Kircus stood over him and said,"You don't know what I am capable of." Krieger had multiple fractures in his face
He was the only person to testify Thursday. After the hearing, Kircus promptly left the courthouse without commenting.
Defense attorney Harvey Steinberg noted repeatedly that Krieger had been drinking and that his memory of the events might have been clouded. Under oath, Krieger said he had at least 10 alcoholic drinks that night.
Krieger testified he never punched Kircus.
After the incident, Kircus took a lie-detector test, and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he passed it and believes the fourth-year player acted in self-defense.