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Lindsey ThiryESPN
A lawyer filed suit with Pittsburgh police on Wednesday against Los Angeles Rams pass-rusher Aaron Donald, saying defensive equipment and others attacked his 26-year-old client at a nightclub last weekend.
Attorney Todd J. Hollis said his client, De’Vincent Spriggs, needed 16 stitches and had a broken eye socket, a broken nose, a concussion and a sprained or broken arm. The alleged attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, Hollis said, and the attorney released a photo showing Spriggs with facial injuries and swelling.
According to Hollis, Spriggs ran into Donald inadvertently and an incident at the Boom Boom Room nightclub ensued that prompted both parties to leave.
“When they came out, Mr. Donald approached Mr. Spriggs and Mr. Spriggs was beaten and attacked, again allegedly, by Mr. Donald and the individuals who were part of his group,” Hollis told ESPN.
Hollis said his client had provided information to Pittsburgh police about the incident on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh Police said that investigators are reviewing the complaint and video footage and are consulting with the district attorney’s office to determine whether the charge is warranted.
The NFL said it would “investigate the matter to understand the facts,” but made no additional comments. The Rams released a statement saying they are aware of the alleged incident involving Donald, who is three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowl selection with 85.5 career sacks.
“We are collecting more information and will not comment further at this time,” the Rams statement said.
Donald, 29, is from Pittsburgh and was a star player in Pitt, where he often trains during the off-season. He also has several charities in the area.
The Rams chose Donald with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 design. He’s in the middle of a six-year extension, $ 135 million.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.