Ex-con accused of shooting Jags player on trial
by AP
Posted: 10.27.2009 at 11:03 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The trial of an ex-convict accused of shooting and paralyzing Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier is underway.

Jurors arrived Tuesday afternoon to hear opening statements on attempted murder and weapons charges against 33-year-old Tyrone Hartsfield of Jacksonville.

Authorities say Hartsfield shot Collier 14 times in September 2008 as the player sat in an SUV. He and a teammate were waiting outside an apartment for two women they met at a nightclub.

Police say Hartsfield's motive was revenge for a fight with Collier months earlier at a sports bar. Hartsfield has denied any involvement in the shooting.

Collier was left paralyzed from the waist down and his lower left leg was amputated because of blood clots.