Michael Irvin accused of rape

[Dpantherman]

Posted by Mike Florio on February 4, 2010 10:45 PM ET

Former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin is back in Florida this week as part of the pre-Super Bowl festivities. He's broadcasting his ESPN Radio Dallas show from the Media Center in Fort Lauderdale, and like many of the former players milling about Radio Row he looks like he could still suit up and go right now.

But any sense of celebration has been tempered by the news that a civil suit alleging sexual assault has been filed against Irvin. According to the Miami Herald, Irvin allegedly raped a woman at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

A decision on whether criminal charges will be pursued is pending.

The alleged incident occurred in July 2007, a month before he gave a stirring speech upon entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Irvin, through his lawyer, denies the allegations, calling them "totally untrue."

The action comes after negotiations on a financial settlement stalled. The woman reportedly wanted $1 million, then dropped her demand to $800,000.

"This complaint is tantamount to criminal extortion,'' attorney Larry Friedman told the Herald. "There is no merit to the complaint.''

Though it's rare for anyone to admit to engaging in criminal conduct, Irvin is entitled to the presumption of innocence in a court of law.

In the court of public opinion, Irvin's history might work against him. But he seems to have changed his ways, so he merits in our view the benefit of the doubt.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/04/michael-irvin-accused-of-rape/

UPDATE: Irvin is now counter suing for $100 million

According to CBS 11, Irvin has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the woman. The suit was filed in Dallas, Texas.

In court papers, attorney Larry Friedman claims that the accuser has tortiously interfered with Irvin's current and prospective business relations, that she has conspired to tortiously interfere with his current and prospective business relations, that she has defamed Irvin, and that she has engaged in extorion of him.....Among other things, the lawsuit claims that Irvin is "a victim of his own success," which has made him the target of "devious unsuccessful individuals."

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/05/irvin-sues-his-accuser-for-100-million/

[Nicbsbll2]

My first reaction was that it was completely false, just about the money. That's why she didn't report it to the police and file charges as soon as it happened. But after reading that this is only coming after settlement talks stalled has me thinking that there is some truth to it, or else Irving wouldn't have been trying to negotiate a settlement.

But either way, I hope the woman wins just because Irving probably has done something in the past to deserve it.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

But either way, I hope the woman wins just because Irving probably has done something in the past to deserve it.

You hope the woman wins because Irvin (not Irving) has probably done something to deserve it?

I can only hope the judge in the case doesn't see himself as some divine agent of karma, a modern-day Robin Hood taking millions of dollars from those that don't deserve it and giving them to people who do.

[PanthersFanInGA]

Irvin has and always will be a good for nothing peice of s h i t.

[Johnny Rockets]

Michael Irvin = the only athlete that crossed over the line of sports hate to actual hate for them as a human being for me.

Guy could get hit by a bus today and I would not feel one second of sympathy for him.

His Hall of Fame speech made me lose my appetite for 3 days after.

He is garbage.

The End.

[KillerKat]

He is why the HOF is a joke for the most part. Most overrated HOF WR ever. Most overrated WR period.

[Guest DrewBreesIsGod]

Michael Irvin = the only athlete that crossed over the line of sports hate to actual hate for them as a human being for me.

Guy could get hit by a bus today and I would not feel one second of sympathy for him.

His Hall of Fame speech made me lose my appetite for 3 days after.

He is garbage.

The End.

Could be the best post these eyes have ever seen

[jasonluckydog]

I bet he throws a wild party....

[CatMan72]

I'm no fan of Irvin, by all accounts he is pure scum... but this sounds totally bogus - the woman asked for hush money first and when he wouldn't pay she filed charges.

No self-respecting woman I know who was actually raped would be satisfied with a financial settlement.

[Matt Foley]

I can only hope Obama doesn't see himself as some divine agent of karma, a modern-day Robin Hood taking millions of dollars from those that "don't deserve it" and giving them to people who "do".

Agreed

[Matt Foley]

Did you all ever see the 30 for 30 segment on The U?

[southcakalac]

No. Elaborate please.

[Johnny Rockets]

Did you all ever see the 30 for 30 segment on The U?

That is the only one I didn't see primarily because I knew he would be on it.

[Matt Foley]

No. Elaborate please.

Basically described the renegade program at Miami, and had guys like Irvin not only defending their antics, but acting proud of them. They all talked about how they come back to Miami and set the new guys straight about what is expected of them at The U.