Slain Woman’s Family Reportedly Files Lawsuit Against Saints’ Charles Grant
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant reportedly is facing a $5 million civil lawsuit in addition to legal charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a fight that led to the shooting death of a pregnant woman outside of a nightclub in Blakely, Ga., in February.
According to WGNO-TV, Grant’s attorney, Edward Tolley, confirmed that the aunt of victim Korynda Reed filed the lawsuit. Tolley could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and details of the suit could not be confirmed.
Grant was indicted for involuntary manslaughter in May by a grand jury in Early County, Ga. He was one of seven men indicted on the manslaughter charge, stemming from their involvement in a fight that spilled outside the club. Grant’s longtime friend, Laquient Macklin, is charged with felony murder and feticide for allegedly firing the bullet that hit Reed, a bystander.
Grant and Tolley have maintained Grant’s innocence, insisting he was not a willing participant or an instigator in the melee.
Grant pleaded innocent and posted a $10,000 bond after turning himself in May 22. No further trial dates have been set.
Even if Grant is found innocent of the manslaughter charge, he could be deemed liable in the civil case, where the burden of proof is significantly lower.
It is not known if Reed’s family filed civil lawsuits against any of the other defendants in the case.
Grant signed a seven-year contract extension with the Saints last year that included $20 million in guaranteed money and could be worth as much as $63 million with incentives.
- Mike Tripplett, NO Times Picayune
Comment by Michael Brown on 4 July 2008:
Professional athletes ARE NOT regular people when it comes to doing the things that we regular people do everyday…like going out to a club. That is why professionals athletes need to look at what they are exposing themselves to on a daily basis when they go out into the public sector. No matter how many different ball caps and dark shades you wear, you will be noticed. Think of both your financial and professional futures before going out without a security agent or at the very least a security plan.