Holmes lawyer 'more confident than ever' in case

By Scott Brown
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The lawyer for Santonio Holmes said today he is "more confident than ever" that the Steelers wide receiver will be cleared of any wrongdoing in a March 7 incident at an Orlando, Fla. nightclub.

Adam Swickle has concluded his own investigation, and he said he sent his findings via overnight mail to Orlando police yesterday.

He said Holmes did not throw a glass of liquor at Anshonae Mills, 21, as she told police the night of the incident and also alleged in a civil lawsuit filed against Holmes.

Swickle said the evidence he gathered is so overwhelming in Holmes' favor that he does not anticipate police to file charges after re-opening the case last week. He said he also he expects Mills' lawyers to drop the civil lawsuit.

He said they took the case as a publicity stunt and filed a lawsuit before adequately looking into Mills' claims that Holmes hit her in the face with a thrown glass after the two argued over a seat in a VIP section of Rain nightclub.

"This is nothing more than frivolous and extortion and we believe we are going to show that," Swickle said. "I have an obligation to defend (Holmes') reputation. These lawyers have recklessly tried to ruin that reputation with no investigation."

Mills is suing Holmes for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The University of Central Florida student is seeking more than $15,000 in damages.

Orlando police are still investigating the incident, Sgt. Barbara Jones said in an email. They had closed the case because Mills declined to press charges but they later re-opened it. Mills claims she was pressured at the scene not to press charges against Holmes.

Swickle would not disclose what specific findings he turned over to police because he said he does not want to compromise their investigation. Orlando police are expected to conclude their investigation later this week or early next week.

"We have sent certain information to the detectives that we believe is going to result in proof positive that Santonio Holmes did absolutely nothing wrong that night," Swickle said. "I don't think you can have any better evidence than what we just sent."

Source: www.pittsburghlive.com

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