CAMPUS BRIEF: Monday, November 16, 1998

1997 FIJI assault trial set to begin today After allegedly arguing loudly outside the FIJI house with his friends -- U.S. Attorney Richard Sofield and then-College freshman Bill Sofield -- Owens, a former Harvard football player, allegedly pummeled the University Police officers who attempted to subdue him. Owens, 27, is being tried on several counts of aggravated assault, simple assault and resisting arrest. The trial will take place in room 901 of the Criminal Justice Center at 13th and Filbert streets before Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Genice Brinkley. Owens' attorney, Bill Hetznecker, declined to comment Friday. Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Nigel Green, the case's prosecutor, could not be reached for comment. In January, a Common Pleas judge acquitted Bill Sofield, now a FIJI brother and College sophomore, of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. His brother's disorderly conduct charge was dismissed after he attended a seminar on such behavior. The case has been the center of controversy, as several FIJI brothers have accused the police of using excessive force to subdue Bill Sofield. A Division of Public Safety investigation found no wrongdoing by all officers involved. Sofield's family has until October 1999 to file a lawsuit alleging police brutality, an option they have publicly considered exercising. -- Andrew Ribner