NFL teams
Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Brandon Marshall doesn't address civil suit at Manhattan gala

NFL, New York Jets

NEW YORK -- Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who received a humanitarian award Tuesday night at a Manhattan gala, began his day in a federal court room, accused of punching a woman in the face.

Marshall declined to address the civil trial, which is expected to last a few more days. Christin Myles, 28, a former San Diego State basketball player, testified that Marshall assaulted her outside a Manhattan nightclub in 2012.

The woman broke down several times on the stand, saying Marshall inflicted "excruciating pain." A police investigation at the time resulted in no criminal charges. Myles is seeking unspecified damages.

Marshall, wearing the same blue pinstriped suit he wore in court, was feted at the New York Athletic Club only three hours after leaving a Lower Manhattan courthouse.

Speaking to reporters before he was honored by the National Football Foundation, Marshall used the platform to discuss his charitable efforts. He also made a plea to unsigned quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Even though the Jets' contract impasse with Fitzpatrick has reached the one-month mark, Marshall didn't sound worried. He expects Fitzpatrick to be playing for the Jets.

"He better be," Marshall said, laughing.

Marshall said he asked coach Todd Bowles, a guest at the event, for the latest on the quarterback situation.

"I just talked to Coach, and Coach said we'll be OK, so I assume we'll be OK," Marshall said. 

Marshall enjoyed perhaps his best season with Fitzpatrick at quarterback, setting the franchise mark for catches in a season. He has been a model teammate for the Jets, but he was known early in his career for his off-the-field issues.

Some of his past was dredged up Tuesday in court, where the civil suit began in a mostly empty courtroom. Marshall spent nearly eight hours in court.

"I want him to own up to what he did," Myles said, choking up. "He punched me."

Both sides used grainy security video from the nightclub, showing a melee outside on the sidewalk. The plaintiff's attorney said the video shows Marshall striking the woman in the face. Myles says she suffered eye, neck and back injuries.

Marshall's attorney showed the same footage, saying his client showed "admirable restraint." He portrayed Myles as a gold digger, saying she decided to sue once she found out Marshall is a professional athlete.

The trial is scheduled to resume Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, Marshall said he was grateful to receive the Ernie Accorsi Humanitarian Award, named after the former New York Giants general manager.

Marshall was honored because of his work with his foundation, Project 375, which raises mental health awareness. He was diagnosed in 2011 with borderline personality disorder.

"To be honest, I don't really care about accolades and awards," he said, "but I'd say affirmation is vital for all of us, and it gives me fuel to continue to move forward, because the work we're doing is hard."

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