Retiree Says Ex-NFL Player Assaulted Him

FORT WORTH (CN) - Former NFL defensive back Darrien Gordon beat and choked out a retired pharmacist, a total stranger, at a Texas Target store, the man claims in court.

David Redelsperger, 61, sued Gordon, of Southlake, in Tarrant County Court on Aug. 27.

Redelsperger says he was entering a Target store in North Richland Hills on Jan. 22, 2014 when he passed Gordon near the entrance.

"Gordon called out to the plaintiff, who was unfamiliar with the defendant, and made racist, threatening remarks," the 5-page complaint states. "Frightened, the plaintiff continued walking toward the store's entrance when Gordon approached him from behind and viciously attacked. Gordon sucker-punched plaintiff in the eye, knocking him to the ground. Gordon then began beating the plaintiff and placed him in a chokehold until plaintiff blacked out. As shown in the photograph to the left, the plaintiff suffered a severe injury to his eye, which required multiple stitches, as well as injuries, to his neck, arms, larynx and brain."

He said the attack was "extreme and outrageous." The complaint includes an image of Redelsperger's face that shows a severely swollen left eye.

"The actions of defendant caused plaintiff emotional distress, and the emotional distress was and is severe. Emotional distress was the intended or primary consequence of defendant's conduct," the complaint states.

Gordon could not be reached for comment Saturday. No phone number is listed under his name in Southlake.

After playing for Stanford University, Gordon played 10 seasons in the NFL, from 1993 to 2002: four years with the San Diego Chargers, two with the Denver Broncos and two with the Oakland Raiders. He had season-long stays with the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers before returning to the Raiders in his final season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and appeared in the Super Bowl four times, winning twice with the Broncos.

Redelsperger seeks punitive damages for assault, battery, aggravated assault, negligence, recklessness, malice and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

He is represented by Charles Noteboom in Hurst.

Follow @davejourno

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit