St. Louis Rams LB Dunbar claims self defense in club brawl
By Cory Buck
St. Louis Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has cited self defense in response to charges of disorderly conduct and breach of peace that stemmed from a brawl between him, NBA player Donte Greene and Greene’s brother, per the St. Louis Dispatch. This is the second straight year in which Dunbar has found himself in the news for the wrong reasons on the eve of training camp. In this case, at least, Dunbar has some footing on which to defend himself.
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Dunbar told officers he was just defending himself after an altercation unfolded as detailed in the Dispatch piece:
"The arrest affidavits indicated that the defendants (Dunbar and the Greene brothers) were involved in a verbal altercation as they left the Club Dream. Club security and several patrons attempted to keep the parties from fighting by holding them apart.But a short time later, the three started brawling just south of the club entrance. As Dunbar and Dmetrique were exchanging punches, Donte approached Dunbar from behind and began to punch Dunbar in the head and neck area."
That’s when police used a taser to detain Greene and arrest all parties involved. Greene was charged with battery, disorderly conduct and breach of peace.
While this certainly isn’t news Jeff Fisher wants to see before training camp, it doesn’t appear to be as bad as Dunbar’s failing a PED test and missing the first four games of the 2013 season. In this case, it appears that Dunbar at least has some legal footing on which to defend himself.
Given the NFL’s stance on off-the-field issues, one could expect a suspension or fine for Dunbar, but if the self defense stance holds and the charges are absolved, it could very well turn into a slap on the wrist. Hopefully that’s all Dunbar needs to realize it’s time to try harder to stay out of trouble.