Alabama football DB Kirkpatrick responds to Oklahoma field storming lawsuit

Posted by author February 25, 2025 Football

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An attorney representing Alabama football sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., has filed legal response to a civil lawsuit which alleges that Kirkpatrick struck an Oklahoma Sooners fan in the head during the Oklahoma field-storming that followed OU’s 24-3 win over the Crimson Tide in November.

The plaintiff, Holden Moxley, alleges that he was attempting to take a selfie photo with his phone on the field when, without provocation or warning, he was hit on the head from behind by Kirkpatrick, who was identified by his jersey number. Per the lawsuit, Moxley went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Kirkpatrick’s attorney, Ryan Deligans, filed response Monday, denying the allegation. That document alleges that Kirkpatrick was provoked, acted in self-defense, and “felt threatened given the totality of the circumstances he was confronted with.” The response also establishes that Moxley’s presence on the field was unlawful, making his own actions an underlying cause of the incident. The Tuscaloosa News left a message for Deligans at his office.

The lawsuit, filed in Cleveland County (Okla.) District Court, seeks actual damages of $10,000 and punitive damages that could exceed $75,000. Moxley attends Perry High School, located about 80 miles north of the OU campus.

Following Oklahoma’s 24-3 upset of Alabama in November, a loss which effectively eliminated the Crimson Tide from College Football Playoff contention, Sooners fans stormed the field at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. According to The Oklahoman, Moxley’s attorney, Mark Hammons, claims the incident was captured on video.

“(Moxley) wasn’t doing anything,” Hammons told The Oklahoman. “He wanted to take a selfie. He’s got his camera up to do that, and the Alabama player comes up and hits him square in the back of the head. There’s just no defense to that.”

Kirkpatrick Jr., is the son of former Crimson Tide All-American cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who won two national championships in three years at Alabama from 2009-2011 and went on to be a first-round NFL draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals. Kirkpatrick Jr. (5-11, 210 pounds) played special teams as a true freshman last year after signing with UA out of Gadsden City High, where his father also played.

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.