Former NBA Player ‘Reluctant’ In Hobos Gang Trial Testimony
By Susie AnFormer NBA Player ‘Reluctant’ In Hobos Gang Trial Testimony
By Susie AnFormer-NBA player Bobby Simmons testified in federal court Thursday against six alleged members of the Hobos street gang.
The men are accused of orchestrating robberies, drug crimes and murders.
Prosecutors claimed that in 2006 Hobos members robbed Simmons, who played basketball for Simeon High School, DePaul University and in the NBA.
According to prosecutors, two Hobos members — Paris Poe and Arnold Council — waited for Simmons outside a North Side night club. Poe then stole Simmons’ necklace, which prosecutors valued at $200,000, and Council drove the getaway car.
Simmons gave chase, and Poe fired shots from the car, prosecutors said. Council eventually crashed the vehicle and Poe ran away.
On Thursday, Simmons appeared in court wearing a gray sweatsuit, attire more casual than other witnesses.
Simmons had previously testified before a grand jury, but when prosecutors questioned him about the robbery, he said he only remember he was robbed.
Judge John Tharp described Simmons as a “reluctant” witness, but wouldn’t go as far as to say he is without memory of the robbery.
There is a possibility Simmons’ grand jury testimony could be read aloud in court. Either way, Simmons will be under subpoena for the rest of the weekend and was ordered back to court Monday, at which time the judge will decide what to do about his lack of testimony.
Susie An is a reporter for WBEZ. Follow her @soosieon.