June 08, 2002|By Lisa Goldberg | Lisa Goldberg,SUN STAFF
An Ellicott City man who alleges that Ravens defensive line coach Rex Ryan beat him up after their two young sons scuffled filed a $3.6 million lawsuit against the coach yesterday - adding a third legal action to criminal charges and a peace order filed earlier in the week.
In the suit, Robert Wheatley alleges that Ryan, 39, came to his Diversified Lane house and challenged him to a fight. Ryan then put Wheatley in a headlock and punched him in the face, according to the suit filed in Howard County Circuit Court yesterday.
Ryan left only after Wheatley ran to his garage and grabbed a rake, the lawsuit says.
The June 2 incident, which left Wheatley with a black eye, lumps on his head, blurred vision and "mental confusion," came two days after the two men's young sons got into a fight, according to the suit.
"The kind of conduct that occurred in this case is intolerable and inexcusable," said attorney Robert W. Guth, who, along with attorney Clarke F. Ahlers, represents Wheatley and his wife, Dale.
"Mr. Ryan's position is dramatically different from the allegations of the lawsuit," said attorney Carey Deeley, who, with attorney Richard M. Karceski, represents Ryan in the peace order case.
Yesterday's filing added a third arena to the legal challenges facing Ryan.
Police charged Ryan, of 2300 block of Ballard Way, with second-degree assault in the incident on Monday. The case is set for a Howard County District Court hearing Sept. 3.
Also on Monday, Wheatley sought a temporary peace order in Howard District Court. Judge Pamila J. Brown ordered Ryan to stay away from Wheatley and his home. A hearing in that case is scheduled for June 17.
