The Playmaker Accused of Assaulting Contractor

Michael Irvin has very particular tastes. That's why if he hires you as a contractor to work on his home, you better do EXACTLY WHAT HE SAYS -- no architectural freelancing. Because if you don't ... well, things could get messy. From KHOU:

Irvin is facing accusations he assaulted a disabled contractor who was hired to install a fountain at his Plano home. Shawn Vandergrift filed a lawsuit Monday against Irvin in Denton County, claiming that the former player yelled at him and grabbed him during a December dispute over a final payment for the construction work.

The suit claims that Vandergrift is permanently disabled by a hip condition and that he required medical attention as a result of being grabbed on the left arm during the confrontation.

Now, let's be clear, I don't condone assaulting the disabled -- contractors or otherwise. But isn't it customary to have clients sign contracts before staring work on a project? You know, just so you don't run into situations like this (or, if you're into renting vacation properties, this).

Hopefully, this can be resolved peacefully because the last thing Irvin needs is another off-the-field incident for people to point to when questioning his Hall of Fame credentials. And I admit to not being Irvin's biggest fan -- especially his on-air ESPN silliness. But he's also shown a softer side, though Vandergrift might disagree.