Donald Driver's dad hospitalized
Family alleges police abuse
Last Edited: Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008, 6:00 PM CST
Created On: Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008, 3:57 PM CST
GREEN BAY - Marvin Driver Jr., the father of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, has been hospitalized in Houston, with Driver's family claiming he was beaten by police.
According to the first statement issued by the family, Marvin Driver Jr. was stopped by Houston police for outstanding traffic warrants and was to be taken to jail but instead was found beaten on a sidewalk.
"Mr. Driver Jr. is able to communicate through notes were he has described the torture he went through at the hand of HPD officers." the statement says.
Houston Police issued the following statement:
"Mr. Marvin Driver Jr. was arrested during a traffic stop and placed into custody on outstanding traffic warrants about 1:30 am on Monday (Nov 17). Officers placed him in the back seat of a patrol unit and transported him to our Southeast Jail at 8300 Mykawa Road. Upon arrival to the jail, our officers stated Mr Driver was unresponsive. One of our jail doctors examined Mr. Driver and advised officers to contact HFD paramedics. HFD then transported Mr. Driver to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
The Houston Police Department's Internal Affairs Division investigates allegations of police misconduct. The allegations being raised by Mr. Driver's family are that injuries he sustained following his arrest were the result of an assault on Mr. Driver by two HPD officers.
We take allegations such as these very seriously and will begin a thorough investigation into the matter. The two officers remain on duty pending further investigation."
However, at a news conference today in Houston, family spokesman Quanell X, contradicted parts of the earlier written statement, saying Marvin Driver Jr. was taken to the hospital from the police station. Also, he said Driver Jr. was not combative with officers in any way.
Quanell X called for the officers to be suspended or placed on desk duty while the investigation continues.
FOX 11's attempt to reach Herrmann hospital for a condition update was unsuccessful.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Driver is excused from practice today and tomorrow for a "personal situation" but declined to comment further. McCarthy expects Driver to be back to play Monday night against New Orleans.
FOX 11 will update this story as more information becomes available.




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