New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a joyous time for all, but in 2007 it caused the death of Denver Broncos Darrent Williams. That was 2007, now three years later Brandon Marshall sits in a courtroom this past Friday and explains that not only was he there but may have excalated the situation. He sat in court and testified against the defendant Willie Clark, 26, stating that, “I kind of got angry at the time and probably escalated the situation, but I got angry because it was New Year’s and we were trying to have fun.” Well fun is not how it started nor ended for Marshall and his teammate that night. Brandon told the court that the problem started with the defendant and his crew throwing up gang signs and harrassing Willams’ table. The situation died down as Brandon told them, “‘We got all these bottles of champagne up here, all these women, it’s New Year’s — just party with us”. At that point it died down and they went on to enjoy the night.

But you know what happens after the club..people are drunk and start “feeling” themselves in front of their friends or peers. Either way after the party they were outside as Mr. Clark and his people start it back up with the gang signs and language towards Williams and his crew, who were at this point in their rented stretch Hummer limousine.  Marshall said that at this point he, “…angry a little bit and [his] first words were, ‘God [expletive] man, I offered you guys drinks tonight to party with us.’ There was a lot of cursing and a lot of words being exchanged.” Brandon continued to argue back and forth with Harris and Clark, as Harris attempts to show him a gun under his shirt. Brandon explained that he didn’t know if Harris had a gun or not all along. Harris then hits Marshall in the jaw and both Harris and Clark flee on foot to their SUV, which was the one used in the shooting.

Marshall was not in the Limo at the time of the shooting but recalls the hospital visit to find only that they had been shot and Darrent Williams had passed.

These senseless acts of violence over what looks like to me over something so simple, could definitely be avoided. People out there are always hating on what you as an athlete have, so just stay away from those atmospheres. You do not have to be cooped up in the house all the time but at least go to an upscale spot where you know there is security. These “thugs” do not have anything to lose, they dont care. But you as an athlete know what you have to lose… your career, family, and in this case LIFE.

My condolences go out to Darrent Williams family and loved ones. Blessings are among you.