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Ex-Linebacker Faces Trial On Battery Counts

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By TODD LESKANIC, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2008

Updated: 01/13/2008 09:11 pm

DADE CITY - Darren Hambrick's attorney says his client views the charges against him as "a big waste of time."

But if all goes as planned, the former NFL linebacker will be in a courtroom this morning to face trial on two counts of misdemeanor battery.

The charges stem from an Oct. 13, 2006, argument at the Illusions nightclub in Trilacoochee. The club used to be known as Rumors.

Hambrick, 32, of Patti Lane, is accused of assaulting Larry Brown, 48, and Brian Thomas, 31, during an argument in the club parking lot. Although the incident happened in October, prosecutors didn't charge Hambrick until May.

Brown told Pasco County sheriff's investigators he was grilling hamburgers in the club parking lot. He said Hambrick approached him and asked who he was cooking for. Brown said Hambrick became angry and pushed over the grill, according to a sheriff's report.

At some point, Thomas, a bouncer at the club, and Hambrick started arguing and began fighting, Brown told investigators. Witness Leon Bennett told investigators he saw Hambrick strike Thomas during the fight.

Hambrick told detectives the fight was stupid and that alcohol played a significant part in starting it, according to the report. He said he was concerned Brown was cooking food at the business without permission.

Hambrick's attorney, Aldo Ojeda, said he agrees that the case amounts to a waste of time.

"I just think it's kind of silly that they bring this up," Ojeda said.

Ojeda said Hambrick likely would face probation if convicted.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker has had two previous run-ins with the law. Both charges - fleeing law enforcement and trying to illegally cash an NFL payroll check - resulted in probationary sentences.

Hambrick starred at Pasco High School and went on to play a total of five seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. He has been out of the NFL since 2002.

Hambrick was signed by the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm in May but was released a few weeks later.

Ojeda said Hambrick is now working in the trucking business.

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (352) 521-3156 or tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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