- Messages
- 79,281
- Reaction score
- 45,652
Green Bay's Al Harris is under investigation in connection with a sexual assault at a Pompano Beach strip club.
[size=-1]By WANDA J. DeMARZO, EVAN S. BENN AND JASON COLE[/size]
[size=-1]wdemarzo@herald.com[/size]
Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating an exotic dancer's allegation that an NFL player sexually assaulted her at a Pompano Beach strip club.
The dancer, whose name is being withheld, told investigators she was assaulted by Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris at The Cheetah Pompano.
The alleged incident took place April 17 in the private Champagne Room of the club at 497 NW 31st Ave., in the early morning hours.
Several sources told The Herald that Harris, whose football career started at Ely High School, was part of a group in the Champagne Room with the young dancer, reported to be from Brazil.
It is not clear what exactly took place in the private room -- typically a secluded, dimly lit area with couches -- but the woman reported that she was assaulted by Harris.
The woman went home after work and showed up at a hospital for treatment several hours later, sources told The Herald.
The hospital sent the young woman to the sexual assault treatment center. She filed a police report.
Harris, a 30-year-old defensive player who sports signature dreadlocks, had not been contacted by investigators about the allegations, according to his agent, Jack Bechta.
Bechta said Harris, a Coconut Creek native, has been the victim of extortion attempts in the past.
''This guy has been hunted down by every scam artist in town,'' Bechta said. ``He's been a model citizen for the most part in this part of the country [South Florida] and never had any problems in Philadelphia or Green Bay.''
Two paternity suits were filed against Harris in the past, Bechta said.
''He took the blood tests right away and the tests proved he wasn't the father,'' Bechta said. ``Another time, in Pompano Beach, someone tried to extort money from him.''
Armed with a warrant, investigators searched The Cheetah on Friday and collected evidence.
Larry Smith, attorney for The Cheetah, would not comment about the alleged incident, saying only, ``It's an ongoing investigation.''
BSO spokesman Hugh Graf declined to provide information relating to the alleged incident saying it was an ongoing investigation.
Harris spent two years playing college football in Texas before he was drafted in 1997 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He was quickly traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played until 2003, when he was sent to play for the Packers.
Harris is engaged to be married and is expecting a child, his agent said.
''He has assured me there's nothing to worry about,'' Bechta said. ``He's a clean good guy.''
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/11498224.htm
[size=-1]By WANDA J. DeMARZO, EVAN S. BENN AND JASON COLE[/size]
[size=-1]wdemarzo@herald.com[/size]
Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating an exotic dancer's allegation that an NFL player sexually assaulted her at a Pompano Beach strip club.
The dancer, whose name is being withheld, told investigators she was assaulted by Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris at The Cheetah Pompano.
The alleged incident took place April 17 in the private Champagne Room of the club at 497 NW 31st Ave., in the early morning hours.
Several sources told The Herald that Harris, whose football career started at Ely High School, was part of a group in the Champagne Room with the young dancer, reported to be from Brazil.
It is not clear what exactly took place in the private room -- typically a secluded, dimly lit area with couches -- but the woman reported that she was assaulted by Harris.
The woman went home after work and showed up at a hospital for treatment several hours later, sources told The Herald.
The hospital sent the young woman to the sexual assault treatment center. She filed a police report.
Harris, a 30-year-old defensive player who sports signature dreadlocks, had not been contacted by investigators about the allegations, according to his agent, Jack Bechta.
Bechta said Harris, a Coconut Creek native, has been the victim of extortion attempts in the past.
''This guy has been hunted down by every scam artist in town,'' Bechta said. ``He's been a model citizen for the most part in this part of the country [South Florida] and never had any problems in Philadelphia or Green Bay.''
Two paternity suits were filed against Harris in the past, Bechta said.
''He took the blood tests right away and the tests proved he wasn't the father,'' Bechta said. ``Another time, in Pompano Beach, someone tried to extort money from him.''
Armed with a warrant, investigators searched The Cheetah on Friday and collected evidence.
Larry Smith, attorney for The Cheetah, would not comment about the alleged incident, saying only, ``It's an ongoing investigation.''
BSO spokesman Hugh Graf declined to provide information relating to the alleged incident saying it was an ongoing investigation.
Harris spent two years playing college football in Texas before he was drafted in 1997 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He was quickly traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played until 2003, when he was sent to play for the Packers.
Harris is engaged to be married and is expecting a child, his agent said.
''He has assured me there's nothing to worry about,'' Bechta said. ``He's a clean good guy.''
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/11498224.htm
Talk about a shining endorsement....