Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 24, 1993 TAG: 9310240017
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ARLINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Smith, 33, originally was involved in an altercation with a third man, who left the scene before officers arrived at Bardo Bar and Restaurant, according to Arlington County police.
When the unidentified bouncer tried to break up the fight, Smith attacked him, police said. Smith later said he thought the bouncer was a friend of the man he had been arguing with earlier. The bouncer suffered cuts to his face but declined medical treatment.
Smith and the bouncer later appeared before Arlington Magistrate Ed Williams. Smith was released on his own recognizance and ordered to appear in Arlington County Criminal Court on Dec. 3. The bouncer was not charged.
Smith's attorney, Gregory Craig, said Smith thought the bouncer was a friend of the third man who had been harassing him about his highly publicized rape trial in Florida in 1991.
"My friends and I were hassled, baited and insulted by people who wanted to pick a fight with me," Smith said in a statement released by Craig. "It was a difficult situation, and I wanted to defend myself. I regret what happened."
Smith, who was in the Washington area visiting friends and to attend an awards ceremony, was at the bar with friends when a group began harassing him about the rape trial, Craig said.
"One of the most aggressive of the group sat down at Will's table uninvited and, using offensive language, insulted Will and his friends," Craig said.
Eventually, the man told Smith that if he had any questions, they could settle it outside, Craig said. As Smith left, he saw the man who had harassed him talk to a larger man, who met Smith outside and the fist fight began, he said.
Smith believed the larger man was a friend of the one who had invited him outside, but he later learned he was an employee of the bar, Craig said.
Paul Donovan, a spokesman for Kennedy, said the senator was not with Smith when the incident occurred. The Massachusetts Democrat has a home in nearby McLean.
"I have spoken with Will, and as I understand it, it was a fight he never wanted and obviously regrets," Kennedy said in a statement. "It was an unfortunate incident. I love Will very much and my heart goes out to him."
Smith was acquitted of rape in the case in Florida in December 1991. A woman alleged that Smith raped her on the grounds of the Kennedy estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Smith said he and the woman had consensual sex.
Harassment over the trial is common for Smith, Craig said.
"It happens with some regularity. He has to live with this kind of treatment every day. It's intolerable," he said.
Smith has a medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School. Earlier this year, he began a three-year residency at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, an academic affiliate of Northwestern University Medical School.
by CNB