Former San Francisco 49ers offensive
lineman Kwame Harris has been charged with allegedly assaulting a
former boyfriend.
Rumors that Harris is gay have swirled
for years. However, the AP specifically noted his sexual orientation
in reporting the story.
“Defense lawyer Alin Cintean said
Harris … identifies as gay but 'is not very public about it,'”
the AP reported.
Harris, 30, played for the 49ers from
2003 to 2007. He last played in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders in
2008.
The charges stem from an August, 2012
incident with former boyfriend Dimitri Geier.
According to the San
Mateo County Times, Harris became upset when Geier poured soy
sauce over Harris' rice as the pair shared dinner at Su Hong restaurant
in Menlo Park, California. Harris, who had agreed to drive Geier to
the airport after dinner, revoked his offer. As Geier went to
retrieve his bags from Harris' car, Harris accused him of stealing
his underwear and allegedly tried to pull down his pants, prompting a
physical struggle which left Geier with broken bones around his eye
socket.
At 6-foot-7 240 pounds, Harris is 20
pounds heavier than Geier and 6 inches taller.
Harris has pleaded not guilty to one
count of domestic violence and assault causing great bodily injury.
Cintean said it was a case of “self defense” and that Geier had
struck the first blow.
Two players told USA
Today that they were okay with Harris being gay.
“It probably wouldn't affect me, but
other guys might feel different,” San Francisco 49er tight end
Delanie Walker said.
San Francisco 49er long snapper Brian
Jennings added: “I don't know if it mattered or if anyone was aware
of his sexual orientation.”