Detroit Man Sues Birmingham's South Bar, NFL Player After March Fight

Even though they've closed, the 's problems continue.

A Detroit man has filed a civil suit against the bar owners, several of its bouncers and NFL player Ronald Talley after a fight at the bar around 2 a.m. on March 26.

According to a complaint filed in Oakland County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Talley — a defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals and former Detroit resident — smashed a champagne bottle over the head of Robert Ford, a 30-year-old Detroit resident.

Talley, the lawsuit reads, was intoxicated and smashed the bottle several times until the bottle broke, piercing Ford's skull with glass shards.

According to Birmingham Police Cmdr. Terry Kiernan, the incident occured in a restroom. Ford told police the next day he didn't speak to Talley and he isn't sure why he was assaulted.

Bouncers then dragged Ford out of the bar and left him in an alley, the lawsuit alleges.

Ford was taken to the hospital that night, and was treated for a head injury and physical pain. Ford's attorney, Jonathan Marko, said Ford also blacked out several times and suffered memory loss.

The lawsuit comes at a difficult time for the downtown Birmingham bar, which by bar patrons.

This isn't the first incident at South involving NFL players, either. In early August 2011, . Edwards also sued South Bar in September 2011 for slander, then later dropped the $14 million suit and donated the settlement money to charity.

According to the lawsuit filed by Ford this week, South Bar "has a long history of violence."

"South has a long history of out-of-control patrons and the establishment has failed, time and time again, to provide a safe environment for patrons like Mr. Ford," the lawsuit reads.

Ford is suing Talley for assault and battery, and suing South for negligence and dram shop liability, alleging that South sold alcohol to Talley even though Talley was visibly intoxicated.

Ford is also suing five unknown South bouncers, named as John Does in the suit, for negligence, alleging they failed to call police or medical personnel, put Ford in a dangerous situation and used excessive force in dragging him out of the bar.

No dollar amount is listed in the lawsuit, which has been assigned to Oakland Circuit Judge Michael Warren, though Ford is looking for "just and adequate compensation for the injuries and damages."

Meanwhile, Kiernan said criminal charges could still be filed. Kiernan said Birmingham Police sent the reports to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office several weeks ago following a lengthy investigation.

Meanwhile, Birmingham is moving ahead with a proposed plan to revoke South's liquor license. On Monday night, , which is owned by Woodward Tap, LLC.