Ex-NFL Bengal David Lee "Deacon" Turner shot, killed by Calif. deputy
(CBS/AP) BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A California deputy shot and killed former NFL running back David Lee "Deacon" Turner Sunday in front of a convenience store after he allegedly hit an officer with a bag holding two cans of beer.
David Lee "Deacon" Turner, 56, who played with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1978 to 1980, reportedly had a history of arrest after he retired from the NFL.
Deputies investigating reports of teenagers asking adults to buy alcohol and cigarettes at a Bakersfield convenience store approached Turner as he left the convenience store with his 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old juvenile around 1 a.m.
The deputies detained Turner while they investigated, but when he tried to leave there was a scuffle, the sheriff's office said.
Authorities said Deputy Wesley Kraft drew his handgun and fired twice at Turner after the former player allegedly hit Deputy Aaron Nadal on the back of the head with a bag holding two 24-ounce cans of beer.
Friends and family told the The Bakersfield Californian they have trouble believing authorities' account of the story.
"He was a marvelous kid," Bakersfield College coach Gerry Collins told the newspaper.
Turner excelled at shredding defenses at Shafter High School, Bakersfield College and San Diego State University before getting drafted by the Bengals in the second round in 1978.
Turner was used primarily as a kick returner in his three years in the league, amassing 1,149 return yards in 1979 for the last-place Bengals. He had 549 career rushing yards.
Court records show an arrest history stretching back to 1986. The most recent, on June 17, was for driving while his license was revoked because of a conviction for driving under the influence.
Police say they are reviewing surveillance tapes from cameras near the scene of the incident.
The department issued a release saying Nadal was treated and released.
Kraft is on administrative leave while sheriff's detectives investigate the shooting.