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A criminal trial that is long overdue is set to get underway this Thursday in Hampton Virginia with a pre-trial hearing:
The Jets were aware of the pending charges when they selected Ellis in the third round of the 2011 draft. A potential complication is that Ellis is not a U.S. citizen. Ellis, a native of Jamaica who moved to Florida at the age of 11, has "permanent resident" status. A permanent resident convicted of an aggravated felony is deportable, according to immigration law. People close to Ellis have said the alleged victim harassed his girlfriend and came after him with a baseball bat, prompting the lineman to act in self-defense.
Ellis also is facing a civil suit. It was filed last April by Dennis Eley, who is seeking $3 million in damages. In his complaint, obtained by ESPNNewYork.com, he accused Ellis of beating him unconcious and breaking his nose and jaw, requiring two surgeries.
It is extrmely concerning for the Jets, who were well aware of the legal issues when selecting Ellis. I didn't like the selection, especially with pending legal issues. I still don't like it after a slow rookie year and depending on how this trial plays out, it could well be one of the most wasted draft picks in recent memory.
If the Jets did know about the legal issues as Cimini suggests, they must believe it to be frivolous. We don't know the full story, if a guy comes at me with a baseball bat when I'm with my girlfriend, then I'm probably going to defend myself and her and if that means the attacker gets hurt, then so be it.
It's going to be an interesting case, we'll keep you up to date with the proceedings.