Trial resumes for NBA’s Morris twins

NBA players Markieff, left, and Marcus Morris arrive at Superior Court for the second day of their aggravated assault trial, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, in Phoenix. The twins, along with Gerald Bowman, are charged with assaulting Erik Hood outside a recreation center in 2015 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Matt York
NBA players Markieff, left, and Marcus Morris arrive with Gerald Bowman, right, at Superior Court for the second day of their aggravated assault trial, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, in Phoenix. The twins and Bowman are charged with assaulting Erik Hood outside a recreation center in 2015 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Matt York
">
From left, Gerald Bowman, defense attorney Jim Belanger, Markieff Morris and Markieff Morristalk appear in the courtroom following opening statements made by attorneys Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, in Phoenix. The NBA players went on trial Monday on felony assault charges stemming from a 2015 beating that prosecutors labeled as an "orchestrated attack" and defense lawyers dismissed as a ploy to get money out of the athletes. (AP Photo/Clarice Silber) Clarice Silber
This a headshot of basketball player Marcus Morris. Marcus Morris is an active basketball player for the Detroit Pistons as of Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 in the NBA. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Paul Sancya

Associated Press

Published: 9/19/2017 7:31:58 PM

The aggravated assault trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris has resumed with the testimony from the man the brothers are accused of beating.

Erik Hood testified Tuesday that his relationship with the brothers became strained because of a misinterpreted text message.

Hood stressed his relationship with them was not based on the Morris twins making it to the NBA.

Defense attorney Timothy Eckstein repeatedly asked Hood to answer only yes or no to his questions.

Hood also testified there was nothing “improper” happening with him and the players’ mother despite their perception that there was.

The Morris brothers are accused of helping three other people beat Hood on Jan. 24, 2015.

The twin brothers could face prison time and discipline from the NBA if convicted. Marcus Morris was acquired by the Boston Celtics over the offseason in a trade involving Avery Bradley.

Support the Concord Monitor. Subscribe Today