Simmons won't be charged

BBy DERRICK NUNNALLY and CHARLES F. GARDNER

dnunnally@journalsentinel.com

Posted: Feb. 16, 2006

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Simmons won't be prosecuted over allegations that he fondled and punched a woman in an incident that led to his arrest Oct. 3.

Assistant District Attorney Chris Liegel said conflicting accounts of the encounter left him without enough evidence to prosecute Simmons for a crime. Simmons has been free on $700 bail since the day of his arrest. Police referred recommended charges of misdemeanor battery and fourth-degree sexual assault, also a misdemeanor, to prosecutors.

Police said that after leaving Da Jungle, a nightclub at 618 N. Broadway, a woman asked for a ride and got into Simmons' car, where Simmons and another person were already sitting. The woman told police that Simmons groped and punched her.

After Liegel said no criminal charges would be filed, Simmons' attorney, Michael F. Hart, said Simmons was pleased with the outcome.

"The district attorney's office conducted a very thorough investigation and determined what we've known from the beginning. That is, there was no merit to any of the allegations," Hart said. "Bobby just wants to play basketball."

Simmons signed a five-year, $47 million deal with the team in August.