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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Fan Says Phoenix College Receiver Jumped Him

PHOENIX (CN) - A college football fan claims a Phoenix College wide receiver beat him senseless in the stands after a game and the school humiliated him when the assault was reported in local newspapers and shown on television. Jimmy Renfro says he was left "dazed and confused by the attack" from Tevita Ofa.

After the visiting team won, Ofa, in his football uniform, allegedly entered the stands and attacked Renfro, causing "swelling in his face, head and right eye." Renfro had traveled from Kansas City, Mo. to watch his nephew play for Harper College.

Renfro sued Ofa and Maricopa County Community College District, which represents 10 Phoenix-area community colleges. He says the college district lacked security and gates, fences and walls to keep spectators safe and prevent football players from entering the stands when they might be "highly agitated after the game and likely to engage in violent aggression towards opposing fans if allowed to interact with them."

Renfro says he sought medical treatment about a week after the assault when the swelling had decreased, and was diagnosed with a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The injury has caused him to wear glasses and blurred his vision, he says.

Renfro claims he was "humiliated in front of his family, friends, other spectators and other Phoenix College and Harper College football players" and "suffered further humiliation and embarrassment when the attack" was publicized.

Renfro costs of medical care and negligence from the college district and punitive damages from Ofa. He is represented in Maricopa County Court by Michael Warzynski with Jardine, Baker, Hickman & Houston.

Follow @jamierossCNS
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