Re-hearing denied for Selmon Jr.

[E.T.]

Re-hearing denied for Selmon Jr.

By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer

Published March 31, 2004

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TAMPA - USF football player Lee Roy Selmon Jr.'s petition for a re-hearing of an earlier motion to set aside a civil settlement was denied by Hillsborough Circuit Judge Claudia Isom.

Isom ruled last month Selmon Jr.'s insurance company must pay the sum it agreed to in June, which she affirmed Monday. Records indicate State Farm and attorneys for Clint H. Lowman reached a $7,500 settlement. Lowman sustained multiple broken facial bones when he was beaten by several people at an apartment-complex party near campus Sept.16, 2001.

Criminal charges against Selmon Jr. were dropped in 2002. To continue contesting the civil settlement, Selmon Jr. has 30 days to file with an appeal.

The Selmons said they specifically told State Farm not to take the case if it was going to settle and filed the motion to set aside shortly after State Farm reached the settlement. Lowman's attorneys filed a motion to compel payment while the Selmons sought a trial.

Isom listened to three hearings during which Selmon Jr. and his father, the former USF athletic director, testified. In her initial ruling, Isom said State Farm could "settle any claim or suit (it) deemed appropriate even if its insured did not consent to said settlement."

Richard Hirsch, an attorney for Lowman, said he will seek compensatory payment. "There was an agreement and (Selmon Sr.) should have known the insurance company has the absolute right to (settle)," Hirsch said.

Lowman's attorneys reached a separate settlement with the apartment complex for $35,000.

[smazza]

not surprised

enire matter is very unsusal

all i have dealt with since 81 is insurance companies.this is one area i know.

[bulls96go]

will this leave a blackmark on selmon's record?

the facts seem to indicate that he did not hit the guy.

[smazza]

not in my book