Walker Brown, the MMA-trained man who allegedly gave the Spencer Jones wide receiver a violent beating, is looking for help with medical and legal bills while the consequences of a viral video increase.
A GoFundMe created for Brown on Monday already raised $ 28,960 from his $ 50,000 goal at the time of writing. According to the organizer, the money will go to cover a surgery and work break that Brown said he needs after the fight at a bar in Norman, Oklahoma, which led Jones to a four-hour surgery and reportedly almost cost him his left eye. .
“I feel awkward doing this because I want to work and pay my own bills, but I’m realizing that it can be difficult for a while,” wrote Brown. “I’ll say YES, something happened before the video started because my nose doesn’t bleed for no reason.”
In a statement published on Wednesday for online fundraising, Brown’s lawyer Steve Stice wrote that the viral video does not show the “original aggression and aggression suffered by Mr. Walker at the hands of Mr. Jones and his friend “and quotes Brown’s bloody nose before the fight started.
“Sir. Walker had a legal justification to defend himself in this matter,” wrote Stice. “As a result, Mr. Walker received several injuries, including a rupture of the biceps that will require surgery. We will not make further comments until the investigation is completed by the authorities ”.
Jones’ lawyer, Woodrow “Woody” Glass, said in a separate statement that the footballer was acting as a “peacekeeper” and tried to alleviate the situation, but “despite his best efforts, he was the victim of this violent attack “in the bathroom of Logie’s on the Corner in Norman.
The police are investigating two assault and battery charges that occurred three days after the February 16 fight. All parties were identified in the case and no arrests were made, according to Norman police spokeswoman Sarah Jensen. Each of the charges carries a potential sentence of 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $ 1,000.
Brown’s brother Braden Brown identified him and his brother as the men in the video who fought Jones and another man involved in the fight. He said the football player and the man “didn’t give us any options” and added that they showed “moderation”.
The video shows Jones and Walker Brown in a showdown in front of the bathroom. Jones pushes Brown, who wipes his nose before throwing punches that seem to connect before throwing the football player to the ground. He quickly grabs Jones’ back and tries to choke while a spectator makes a drunk move move by move. At the same time, Braden Brown picks up Jones’ friend and takes him to the floor, where he hits several punches without an answer.
Walker and Braden Brown train at The Colosseum Wrestling and MMA, which is owned by their father, Tommy Brown, who confirmed the direction of GoFundMe and declined to comment further until allowed by his lawyer. Braden Brown told MMA Fighting that he had experience of amateur fighting, although the records of fights for him, his brother and his father could not be found in any major MMA database.
The bar where the fight took place is less than a kilometer from Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where the Sooners play. Jones, a veteran redshirt, appeared in 11 games in 2020. His recovery schedule is unknown.
Here is Walker Brown’s full statement:
“Hi guys. I’m the guy in the bathroom fight video. I laughed at the funny comments about my cowboy boots and cauliflower ear. I didn’t comment because there’s an investigation going on. I was advised to look for a lawyer. Also i am facing surgery for an injury i suffered while defending myself and i will see some unplanned medical bills and time off from work to recover from the surgery i am a full time student who works two jobs.
“First of all, I would like to thank everyone for the generous support I received from across the country. It’s impressive in a good way! Strangers even offered to help me cover the costs of my defense, so I opened this account for everyone who would like to contribute. I feel awkward doing this because I want to work and pay my own bills, but I’m realizing that it can be difficult for a while. I’ll say YES, something happened before the video started because my nose doesn’t bleed for no reason. After hiring a lawyer, I will make a statement to let you know my side of the story. Thanks again for all the support. “