Draft pick sues accusers claiming conspiracy, slander

With his agent in town to try to complete his contract, Adam “Pacman” Jones had his lawyer file the suit in Davidson County Circuit Court against club manager Robert Gaddy and his brother Lamar Woodson. Jones is asking for $7.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Agent Michael Huyghue said the lawsuit was filed because of the number of people demanding money to cover up stories even though Jones has been in Jacksonville, Fla., the past three weeks.

“It has reached a point where it necessitated an action on our part to strike back and make it clear to those who would seek to benefit on his behalf that (charges) will be met very strongly,” Huyghue said.

Gaddy pressed charges July 13 and had Jones arrested on a charge of misdemeanor assault and a felony count of vandalism. He isn’t backing down.

“I’ve got to stand strong on my principles that I can’t let whether it be a Titan, a Texan, Jaguar or any other celebrity or average Joe off the street come in here and do what they want to do in my facility and cause me problems. I just can’t have it,” Gaddy said. “I’m a taxpayer, and I did what I was supposed to do. I’ll let Metro (Nashville police) handle it.”

A hearing on the charges was postponed Thursday until Dec. 8.

Jones, who hadn’t previously commented, spoke by telephone with reporters after his agent’s news conference in an attempt to counter a hot topic on talk radio that has had fans ready for the Titans not to sign the sixth pick overall and the first defensive player taken in the draft.

Jones said he was surprised and shocked that Gaddy pressed charges because he didn’t touch him. He had rented the club for a private party after a Destiny’s Child concert, and Gaddy accused Jones of hitting him and ripping off a gold chain that has not been found.

“I’ve prayed and I’ve had my ups and downs the last two-three weeks for the most part. Mike’s been right by my side helping me out. I have a great family. I have a great faith and a great group of guys around me. For the most part, I’m just trying to stay positive,” Jones said.

Huyghue said he had investigators talk with witnesses and that he had seen some videotape of the incident. He also believes NFL security has looked into the incident as well, and he said the Titans called Jones in twice for other incidents based on reports that he had been seen in drug areas.

“He’s been spotted so many places it’s just remarkable. All that time he’s been in Jacksonville,” Huyghue said.

The lawsuit also accuses Gaddy and Woodson of conspiring to cause Jones’ damage and that their attorney demanded Jones pay $250,000 to end the charges.

“To demand money to extract a criminal complaint against someone is tantamount to extortion, and we definitely have a significant problem with that,” Jones’ attorney Justin Gilbert said.

Gaddy’s attorney, Whitney Kemper, said he was not aware of any cameras inside the club, and he denied the accusations.

“One, the negotiations for a resolution were never initiated by us. We didn’t start them. Two, we never demanded $250,000. Three, we’re looking forward to the deposition for Mr. Jones and his agent, which we’re allowed to do in this civil action,” Kemper said.

The lawsuit alleges Jones has lost endorsement money and business deals. Huyghue said Jones was the only rookie with two jerseys by Reebok this season, one to feature his nickname. Jones receives a 6 percent share, but sales have been very slow in Nashville.

Huyghue’s top priority is trying to conclude a contract for Jones. He said the Titans are trying to include protective language that he’s never seen in an NFL contract, but he thought both sides were close.

Jones said he’d like to be signed by Friday night’s exhibition opener.

“I had my bag packed a week ago,” Jones said.