New York Jets nose tackle Kenrick Ellis is scheduled for trial on May 22, and could face up to 20 years in prison or deportation if he is convicted on a felony charge of malicious wounding.
Ellis is also facing a civil suit stemming from the same 2010 incident. Dennis Eley accuses Ellis of breaking his nose and jaw during a fight that took place in April 2010, and is seeking $3 million in damages.
Ellis is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday for the criminal case.
People close to Ellis told ESPNNewYork.com that Eley came at Ellis and his girlfriend with a baseball bat, and Ellis only acted in self-defense.
Ellis could face deportation if convicted because of his status as a "permanent resident" of the United States. He moved from Jamaica to the United States at the age of 11.
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