Openings to begin in trial of NBA players accused of assault

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MORRIS BROTHERS: Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris, left, talks with his brother Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris after an NBA basketball game Monday, March 14, 2016, in Washington. The Wizards won 124-81. Photo: Associated Press/PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS/ALEX BRANDON

CLARICE SILBER, Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Opening statements will begin Monday for the trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris, who allegedly assaulted a man outside a Phoenix recreation center two years ago.

The Morris brothers are accused of helping three other people beat 36-year-old Erik Hood on Jan. 24, 2015. The NBA players were indicted by an Arizona grand jury in 2015 on felony aggravated assault charges.

Hood told Phoenix police that he was repeatedly punched and kicked and sustained a fractured nose, abrasions and a large bump on his head.

Police say Hood was assaulted for sending an inappropriate text message to the Morris twins’ mother.

Jury selection concluded last week after the eight-member panel was chosen. The trial is expected to last about 10 days.

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