Chad Kelly's attorney: QB was not the aggressor, no gun mentioned
The attorney for recent Ole Miss signee Chad Kelly believes a recently-released video proves his client was not the aggressor in an altercation that occurred outside of a Buffalo, N.Y., bar and restaurant early Sunday morning.
Deadspin.com released a video Monday morning from a tipster showing Kelly and a bouncer scuffle outside of Encore about 3:15 a.m. before eventually being separated by the crowd.
The video, which appears to have been taken on a smart phone, lasts 35 seconds. It clearly shows Kelly's face at the beginning before the scuffle, but about the only easily comprehendible audio is from a bystander yelling "chill bro."
Thomas J. Eoannou, Kelly's attorney, said the video is in his client's favor.
"A video that has come to light that clearly shows that Chad was not the initial aggressor at all, that someone had grabbed Chad outside of the bar," he said early Monday afternoon. "There is audio with it as well and there is absolutely no reference to a gun."
According to the police report in the Buffalo News' original reporting, Kelly stated "I'm going to go to my car and get my AK-47 and spray this place."
"We have been enhancing the audio to the best of our ability and are in the process of developing a transcript, but we are more than confident there was no gun mentioned," Eoannou said.
Eoannou said he believes the whole incident lasted about "six or seven seconds." Asked if he's confident the entire scuffle was caught on the 35-second video, Eoannou said "It appears that way because you can then see Chad is across the street at the end of it."
The News reported Kelly, who was a passenger in a truck, kicked and tried to swing at officers as they removed him from the vehicle.
The bar's security staff suffered minor injuries, including pain and swelling, according to the police report.
Kelly was arrested on charges of third-degree assault, second degree harassment, second-degree menacing, resisting arrest, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. Kelly, and his male companion who was reportedly kicked out of the establishment earlier in the night, also
were arrested on charges of third-degree criminal trespass. All charges are either misdemeanors or violations. Kelly was released without bail. Eoannou said Kelly's next court date is Jan. 5 -- the same day Ole Miss' winter intersession begins.
"We're hoping that whatever happens, it will not interrupt Chad's career," Eoannou said. "It's my understanding that the school is doing whatever everyone else is and withholding judgment until a proper investigation is done."
Kelly originally attended Clemson out of high school but was dismissed from the program in April. Following Kelly's dismissal, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Kelly "had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program."
Kelly transferred to East Mississippi Community College for the 2014 season and threw for more than 3,900 yards and 47 touchdowns while leading the Lions to the NJCAA national title.
Wednesday, Kelly signed with Ole Miss and was expected to step in and compete for the right to replace senior quarterback Bo Wallace.
His future with the program is currently unclear.
"We are gathering facts on the matter," Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said in a statement Sunday night.
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