Former Bellator fighter Joe Schilling finds himself in a contentious situation after knocking out an individual in a bar, captured on video, which may lead to legal consequences.
MMAFighting.com reports that Schilling might be charged with a misdemeanor count of simple battery.
In a video, the 37-year-old is seen knocking a man unconscious following an altercation that began when the man, identified as Justin Balboa, was bumped into and pushed aside in a bar. Balboa, reportedly a 31-year-old busboy at an Outback Steakhouse, reported to the police that Schilling, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound white male, struck him without provocation. Balboa, who appeared intoxicated, expressed an intention to pursue a civil suit against the establishment.
According to the police report, “Balboa had a bloody lip and described Schilling as a 6-foot-5, 270-pound white male who just hit him for no reason. Balboa would not elaborate on how or why the male punched him but was obviously intoxicated. That same night Balboa told officers that he only wanted the incident documented in order to file a civil suit against the establishment.”
The bar manager mentioned that Balboa’s intoxicated state and inappropriate remarks about another patron’s partner instigated the fight and that Balboa, a frequent patron known for causing disturbances due to his intoxication, often causes problems at the establishment.
The police report reveals that several other patrons support the manager’s account, stating that Balboa initiated the altercation.
After reviewing the video footage, Balboa indicated a desire to press charges against Schilling for the alleged assault.
Balboa’s attorney, Robert Solomon, remarked, “It was something that should not have happened” and criticized Schilling’s reaction to the situation, highlighting the potential for serious consequences.
Meanwhile, Schilling defended himself on social media, claiming self-defense and citing past violent behavior by Balboa alleged by ex-girlfriends.
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