Trial begins for former Boise State football player accused of biting off part of teammate's ear

BOISE — A jury trial began Monday for former Boise State football player Dereck Boles, who is accused of biting off part of a teammate’s ear during an altercation in February 2016.

During opening arguments at the Ada County Courthouse, the defense conceded that Boles bit off a portion of former Bronco Chanceller James’ left ear but said it was done out of self defense.

The prosecution argued that Boles “unlawfully and maliciously disfigured and or slit the ear” of James. Boles faces a felony mayhem charge.

Several former and current Boise State football players are listed as witnesses to the event and could be called to testify as early as today. James was the only former Boise State football player to take the stand Monday, along with a doctor who performed surgery on James’ ear that night and a former female Boise State student who attended the party and traveled to the hospital with James.

Read more: http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/trial-begins-for-former-boise-state-football-player-accused-of/article_b82cf0fd-fb9f-5758-88c7-6299d2029880.html