NFL star sued
in isle court

Three boys allege that
Marvin Harrison and two
other men attacked them

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison attacked three boys seeking autographs and put a deadly choke hold on one of them, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday in Circuit Court.

Marvin Harrison: The Indianapolis Colts player had denied involvement in the fight

Johnnie Westly Reshard Jr., Ernest Terry Simon Jr., Eric Gilbert Jr. and their parents were visiting from California to attend the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl when the incident allegedly occurred.

The suit, filed against Harrison and other unnamed individuals, seeks punitive and other damages to be determined at trial.

Harrison could not be reached for comment.

According to the lawsuit, the boys were at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort complex on or about Feb. 12 when they spotted Harrison, approached him for an autograph and asked if they could take his photo.

Harrison, who apparently was on a cell phone at the time, motioned to the boys -- who interpreted his body language as a request to wait. Harrison apparently finished his call but appeared to make another one while the boys waited.

That was when two unidentified males approached them and told them there would be no autographs or photos of Harrison. Without provocation, the two men, later joined by Harrison, attacked the boys. During the scuffle, Harrison placed a "violent and potentially deadly choke hold" on Gilbert Jr., the suit said.

The boys have incurred medical expenses and pain and suffering as a result of the assault, the suit said.

Police said Harrison was being investigated for his alleged role in the fight and had given them a statement. The Honolulu Prosecutor's Office confirmed yesterday they and police are still investigating.

At the time, Harrison denied any involvement in the fight, through NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.

"His recollection of what took place differs substantially from the allegations made," McCarthy said. "He was there. An altercation did occur but he wasn't an active participant."

McCarthy also said Harrison did not know the two men allegedly involved in the fight.

Los Angeles attorney Doug Linde said he expects to withdraw the suit and file a new complaint on behalf of the families.

"We intend to cooperate fully with the law enforcement investigation in the matter," he said.