Man sues Wilkins over scuffle at Hawks game

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By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The man arrested following a fight with Dominique Wilkins says he didn't provoke or threaten the former Hawks star, who then punched him repeatedly with his fists as basketball fans watched.

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Fulton County Rashan Michel

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Wilkins then lied to security guards about the fight, saying that Rashan Michel assaulted him, according to a lawsuit filed in Friday in Fulton County state court.

Michel was arrested that night, March 30, and charged with misdemeanor battery. That charge was later dropped. Wilkins was not charged.

A former NBA referee turned custom clothier, Michel says Wilkins owes him $12,000 for custom suits. And when he saw Wilkins near the floor of Philips Arena, Michel approached him about the unpaid debt, according to the lawsuit, which also names the Atlanta Spirit, owner of the Hawks, as a defendant.

"Seeing Wilkins in the stands on this particular occasion, Plaintiff (Michel) seized upon the opportunity to ask Wilkins about whether he intended to pay the debt," the lawsuit states. "Embarrassed that Plaintiff had mentioned the debt, Wilkins began arguing with Plaintiff, shouting ‘I built this house!' and cursing Plaintiff for bringing up the matter in front of his peers."

Witnesses told Atlanta police officers that Michel instigated the altercation. But Michel's arrest mug shot showed Wilkins landed punches -- on his face.

"The decision to charge only Mr. Michel with simple battery was based on more than one eyewitness account that described him as the aggressor towards Mr. Wilkins," Carlos Campos, APD spokesman, previously told the AJC.

Michel was fired from his part-time job as an SEC referee after news of the run-in with Wilkins, according to the lawsuit. He has suffered physical and emotional pain, along with public humiliation, the suit states.

Michel is seeking a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.