The former partner of Oakland Raiders' lineman Trent Brown, Diorra Marzette-Sanders, has filed a civil lawsuit against him, claiming she has been subjected to a pattern of domestic abuse by Brown for two years. The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County in California and requests a jury trial and an unspecified amount in damages.

Brown previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots before signing a four-year, $66 million contract with the Raiders in March 2019, which made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Marzette-Sanders also claims in her lawsuit that Brown violated a non-marital partnership agreement she had with Brown by kicking her out of his home and refusing to financially support her and their son. Her lawsuit also claims that Brown had repeatedly promised to marry her.

The NFL is aware of the suit, and league spokesman Brian McCarthy said the NFL will "review the matter." If Brown is found to have violated the NFL's personal conduct policy, he could be suspended from playing in games or fined. Brown denies all the claims by Marzette-Sanders as false.

Lawsuit Details

Brown and Marzette-Sanders met via Instagram in 2016 and began dating exclusively in 2017. According to the lawsuit, Brown exhibited "a pattern and practice of committing domestic violence" against Marzette-Sanders, including an incident in March 2019 where he allegedly choked her and another in April where he allegedly slapped and punched her.

In June, police in Texas were called after another incident, and a report was filed although no charges were brought against Brown. Marzette-Sanders' lawsuit claims that after that incident, Brown kicked her out of their home and stopped financially supporting her and their son.

It is important to note that even though no formal criminal charges have been filed against Brown, this civil lawsuit alleging these claims could have a serious impact on his football career and life. Because even though there have been no criminal charges filed, the NFL will still investigate the allegations.

According to NFL policy: "Whenever the league office becomes aware of a possible violation of the Personal Conduct Policy, it will undertake an investigation, the timing and scope of which will be based upon the particular circumstances of the matter. Any such investigation may be conducted by league office personnel, independent parties, or by a combination of the two."

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Seattle

According to Washington law, if the June 2019 incident between Brown and Marzette-Sanders had happened in Washington rather than Texas, police would have had to make an arrest, which could have led to formal criminal charges against Brown. If you are facing an accusation or even criminal charges of domestic abuse, the Law Offices of Steve Karimi can help. Call them today at 206-621-8777 or fill out a contact form to learn more.