Ex-Ole Miss Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is being sued by his own stepfather who claimed he was assualted by the footballer. The suit was filed on Tuesday at the Lafayette County courthouse.
Lindsey Miller, Tunsil's stepfather, stated the footballer assaulted him June last year and defamed his character, the Clarion-Ledger reported. The legal complaint, which alleges those were "intentional infliction of emotional distress," was filed by his representing lawyer, Starkville attorney Matthew Wilson.
However, Tunsil's defense lawyer, Steve Farese, said the legal complaint was filed to cause damage to his client including his family and the university he is representing. "This unsavory attempt to obtain money from a talented young man is a sad example of the times," Farese argued. The lawsuit was filed days ahead of the National Football League draft.
It detailed that "Defendant Tunsil pushed Mr. Miller against the wall in the hallway, causing him to fall. The disabled Navy combat veteran was simply unable to protect himself from the unprovoked assault by the six-foot-five-inch, 305-pound, powerfully-strong offensive tackle," 247 SPORTS quoted.
Tunsil has allegedly punched Miller "severely" numerous times and that it took four men to stop him from attacking the plaintiff, who is a disabled American veteran.
It has been known to the public that the Top 5 pick footballer and his stepfather are not in good terms. Miller and Tunsil filed domestic violence charges against each other last year, Sports Illustrated reported. Tunsil alleged he attacked Miller after the man attacked Tunsil's mother, Desiree Polingo. However, Tunsil claimed he only defended his mother.
While Miller alleged Tunsil attacked him unprovoked, both sides dropped the charges last August. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old still served a seven-game suspension, given by NCAA at the start of the season after it was reported he accepted impermissible benefits.
His stepfather's new lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, pre- and post-judgment interest and all costs associated with the suit.
