Thursday, February 19, 1998

Tearful testimony in civil trial against Switzer

DALLAS (AP) - A 36-year-old man has offered tearful testimony that former Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer caused him lasting emotional pain during an alleged 1994 hotel encounter.

Randy Mayes also said Wednesday that he feared for his life when Switzer struck him and made racial comments.

"It feels like ... something's been mutilated inside of me," said Mayes, who is black. "He attacked me as if he hated me. His eyes were filled with rage."

Mayes and 36-year-old Stephon Bolton are seeking $300,000 in punitive damages and $600,000 for mental anguish in their civil lawsuit against Switzer.

The trial is expected to last until at least Friday.

During his opening argument, Switzer's attorney denied that the former coach assaulted either plaintiff.

"When you find the truth, justice will naturally result," said Brad Gahm, who told jurors the plaintiffs would lie under oath.

Gahm acknowledged that Switzer tapped Mayes on the chest with the back of his hand and said, "Hey, you big son (expletive). You look like (former Cowboys' receiver) Alvin Harper. You could play football for me."

Gahm also said that Switzer called Bolton a "black (expletive) ... ," after Bolton threatened to sue him during the incident Oct. 22, 1994, at a Dallas hotel.

Bolton testified that Switzer called him a "black (expletive)" about 10 times and threatened to get him fired. He said Switzer grabbed his arm twice, once so forcefully that he nearly turned him around.

"He had a look of rage, a look of wildness in his eyes that night," testified Bolton. "It was just unbelievable the way he spoke to us. I have never been talked to in my life that way."

Mayes said Switzer, who is about four inches shorter than him, struck him so hard that he was forced backward into a wall. He said he and Bolton tried to avoid a further confrontation by walking away, but Switzer followed them.

Under cross-examination, Mayes acknowledged that he took a swing at Switzer before a police officer and Bolton separated them. Both plaintiffs denied Gahm's contention that their only interest is recovering money from Switzer.

Mayes said the incident haunts him, and he has trouble concentrating at work.

"This ordeal has not ended," he said, crying. "I've tried to let it go, but it keeps cropping up."