Alleged Fight Over Signing Bonuses Leads To Assault Charges

Authorities said an ex-Carolina Panther and former Edmond football player is facing felony assault charges following a holiday brawl that left the victim hospitalized.

That victim was the 2012 first round pick of the Yankees and another Edmond star athlete.

Police reported the fight between the two athletes started over a conversation about signing bonuses. But the fight ended with Ty Hensley's jaw broken in two places and his alleged attacker looking at possible jail time.

Ty Hensley's attorney called the attack on his client "vicious."

“Unbeknownst to Ty an unprovoked Mr. Morales attacked Ty with the initial blow to the back of his head which knocked him unconscious and to the ground,” said Jacob Diesselhorst, Hensley's Attorney.

The fight happened in The Village in the early morning hours of Dec. 28. Witnesses told police Hensley and acquaintance Anthony Morales were alone in the living room when they began arguing about signing bonuses.

“Ty was asked about that information and he indicated he didn't want to talk about that and would prefer not to speak about it. And some more comments were made and Ty kind of wanted to walk away from that conversation,” said Diesselhorst.

And that's when Hensley's attorney said Morales knocked the baseball prospect unconscious.

But Morales' attorney said it was Hensley who instigated the fight.

“I know this. And I know Ty knows this. He knows who started that fight and it wasn't Anthony,” said Joe White Jr., Anthony Morales' attorney.

Police said after the fight Morales took off.

Hensley was taken to the hospital. His jaw was broken in two places, he had a black eye, and received multiple stitches.

Hensley is now home and expected to make a full recovery.

“He's working with them, the Yankee's organization, the team doctors and then his representation on doing everything he needs to do to get healed up and get back on his feet again and get back on the mound,” said Diesselhorst.

A felony warrant was issued Thursday for Morales.

On Friday, he turned himself in and bonded out a few hours later.

“I don't know what Ty Hensley's reputation is amongst people here or in New York City, where ever he is playing ball. But I know Anthony Morales is a great kid,” said White.

If this does go to trial Morales will testify.

Hensley is expected to participate in spring training.