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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, August 12, 2006

No charges for NFL receiver

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The city prosecutor's office will not pursue charges against an NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver who was accused of assaulting autograph-seekers in Waikiki last year.

Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison was in Hawai'i for the annual Pro Bowl in February 2005. Three days before the game, four teenage boys approached Harrison outside a store at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and asked to take photographs of the Colts star and for autographs.

But the boys told police that another man, whom they believed was Harrison's bodyguard, punched one of them in the jaw. Harrison, the boys alleged, shoved another boy and placed him in a choke hold.

A complaint was filed with the police and a misdemeanor assault case was opened. Harrison was interviewed by police the day before the Pro Bowl.

Yesterday, however, the prosecutor's office issued a brief statement saying it will not charge Harrison with any crime.

"After reviewing the facts of the case and re-interviewing all the witnesses, the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney will decline prosecution and not take further action," the statement said. "There is insufficient evidence."

Harrison could not be reached for comment yesterday. Valencia Williams, mother of one of the boys who spoke with the media after the alleged event, also could not be reached for comment.

A lawsuit was filed in March 2005 against Harrison by the four teens and their parents, including Williams, seeking damages. No action has been taken on the lawsuit, according to court records.

Harrison, 33, is in his 11th year in the NFL.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.