Nightclub scuffle leads to charge against quarterback's girlfriend
Saturday, September 11, 2004
James F. McCarty
Plain Dealer Reporter
No. 5 in your Cleveland Browns program apparently is No. 1 in the hearts of two women - and that added up to trouble at a Warehouse District dance club last month.
Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia was out for a night on the town with girlfriend Carmella DeCesare, reigning Playboy Playmate of the Year, when they were confronted by his ex-girlfriend at the Tramp nightclub on West Ninth Street.
The faux burlesque club's motto is "Naughty Fun," but that wouldn't describe the events of Aug. 21, according to police reports and witness statements.
Kristen Hine, who previously dated Garcia, told police that - unprovoked - DeCesare "launched" herself at Hine three times. When Hine turned to leave, she said, DeCesare kicked her in the head.
Hine, 32, of Cleveland, was not injured, but filed a police complaint against DeCesare accusing her of assault, a first-degree misdemeanor.
DeCesare, 22, of Westlake, pleaded not guilty Friday in Cleveland Municipal Court, and remains free on $5,000 bond. Magistrate Lynn Loritts also granted Hine a temporary protective order barring DeCesare from having any contact with her.
DeCesare, who works as a model, denies being the aggressor. Her lawyer said Garcia and several companions are prepared to back up her story.
"It was such a minor incident," said attorney Patrick D'Angelo in an interview following Friday's court hearing. "No one was injured, and [Hine] didn't even file a report until three days later. It was really much ado about nothing."
D'Angelo said the women were arguing about Garcia when a friend of Hine threw a drink at DeCesare.
"There was some pushing and shoving, but she was not assaulted," D'Angelo said. "Miss Hine brought this on herself. She was rude and crude and profane."
He called the accusation of a kick in the head an "exaggeration," and said a protective order was unnecessary: "Miss DeCesare wants nothing to do with her."
Garcia declined to comment. Browns spokeswoman Lisa Levine said, "It's not a legal matter involving Jeff; therefore, there's nothing for him to discuss."
Plain Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot contributed to this story.
credit:
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/109489501728210.xml
