Ex-49ers coach Walsh must return for trial of man who hit him

Kurt Allen Lewis, 30, of Bakersfield, Calif., is charged with misdemeanor battery for hitting Walsh, 66, while he played blackjack early in the morning July 1. He also faces an enhancement to the charge because Walsh is over age 65.

The case will be heard by a Tahoe Township Justice Court judge on Sept. 24. Walsh will have to return for the trial as a witness.

A Douglas County sheriff's report said both men appeared to have been drinking the night of the incident that left Walsh with a swollen lip.

According to the deputy's report, Lewis said he was looking over Walsh's shoulder, saw Walsh peek at a face-down card and jokingly told him he shouldn't do that.

Lewis said Walsh got irritated, waved a hand at him, brushing his shirt, and said, "Do you know who I am? Get ... away from me." Lewis then hit him.

Walsh's version was that Lewis was crowding him and he was punched when he extended his right arm toward Lewis to create space between them.

The card dealer said she saw the two talking, heard another player tell them to cool off, saw Walsh grab Lewis' shirt and then saw Lewis throw the punch.

Walsh retired as the 49ers coach after the 1988 season, with 102 wins in 10 years and Super Bowl titles in 1982, 1985 and 1989.

archive