Jury picked, testimony to begin today in Jon Beason trial

Testimony will begin today in the trial of Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason, who has been accused in a civil lawsuit of punching a patron at a Charlotte strip club in November 2009.

Gregory Frye claims Beason assaulted him at the Uptown Cabaret after he told another Panthers player that he had seen Beason doing cocaine. Frye said he suffered a crushed nasal cavity and a facial fracture in the assault.

Beason denies hitting Frye, as well as the drug-use allegations.

Both men were in the courtroom Tuesday as their attorneys chose a jury of eight women and four men.

Frye, 30, is bigger than the NFL player, standing about 6 feet four inches tall and 250 pounds.

Beason, 26, is 6 feet tall and 237 pounds.

Attorneys asked potential jurors whether they knew of Beason. Many said they recognized his name.

Two were asked Tuesday afternoon if they are football fans. Yes, they said - but not of the Panthers. One likes the Buffalo Bills, the other the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite the recognition of Beason, the jurors said they could be fair to both sides.

Beason was charged criminally with assault, but prosecutors dropped the charge less than two weeks later. Other than Frye's statement, prosecutors said, police were not able to get evidence that Beason was the assailant.

Frye is seeking damages of more than $10,000.

Beason has countersued, accusing Frye of damaging his reputation.

On Tuesday, Beason's attorney, George Laughrun, told potential jurors his client isn't suing for money. If Beason wins, Laughrun said, they'll ask for $1.

(charlotteobserver.com)