BOSTON — Early on a September morning two years ago, Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was stabbed nearly a dozen times at a nightclub, leaving him with a collapsed lung.
Three men accused in the attack go on trial Tuesday, arguing they were wrongly identified in the melee at the Buzz Club/Europa on Sept. 25, 2000. Pierce, who required surgery for his injuries, is expected to testify.
Prosecutors say a fight broke out when Pierce was talking with a woman and William Ragland, 20, confronted him. After a brief conversation, Ragland allegedly attacked Pierce.
Prosecutors said Anthony Hurston, 33, and Trevor Watson, 35, jumped in. All three defendants are charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. They have pleaded innocent.
The defendants claim Boston police targeted them simply because of their association with the rap group Made Men.
"I have a wealth of witnesses who will testify that my client had nothing to do with the Paul Pierce incident," Hurston's attorney John Swomley told the Boston Globe. "He was there but he had nothing to do with it."
Jury selection began Thursday. The jury on Tuesday was expected to visit the club and later in the day will hear opening statements.
Pierce, 24, required lung surgery and returned in time to start the basketball season late that fall. He was stabbed in the neck, back and chest, and hit over the head with a bottle.
Also subpoenaed were New England Patriots Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Willie McGinest, and former Celtics player Dana Barros.