A purported comment made about USC is what provoked three-time Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest to attack a restaurant patron in December, according to a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim.
In the moments leading up to McGinest’s arrest for assault, the former Patriots linebacker, 51, was asked about his alma mater’s latest game — a loss to Utah — by fellow Delilah diner Blake Adams, the court documents obtained by TMZ said of the West Hollywood incident.
McGinest allegedly scoffed at the remark about the Trojans, whom he played for from 1990 to 1993, and said to Adams, “Why the f–k are you talking to me?” before walking away.
The ex-NFL star “reappeared” a short time later, “and stated in [Adams’] ear, ‘Now what did you say bitch ass n—-r.”
Adams alleged “he was just a fan trying to say hello,” before McGinest “punched” him in the face.
Footage of the incident features a man identified as McGinest striking a patron as other individuals throw punches.
McGinest is also accused of picking up a glass bottle and hitting Adams in the head with it.
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McGinest was then arrested and charged with two felonies: one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury.
The two-time Pro Bowler, who spent 12 seasons with the Patriots, later apologized for his “lapse in judgment and behavior” following the incident.
“First and foremost, I want to offer my deepest apology for my lapse in judgment and behavior on December 9 at a restaurant in West Hollywood,” McGinest wrote in an Instagram post, which appears to have been deleted.
“To my family, community, friends, and youth I mentor, please know I feel horrible for my actions and take full responsibility.”
Adams is suing McGinest for unspecified damages, in addition to Delilah.
McGinest’s arraignment in the case is slated for April.
