By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
K’aun Green, an HBCU football player, could receive an $8 million settlement after being shot by San Jose police in March 2022, according to reporting by the San Jose Mercury News. The recommended payout would resolve Green’s federal civil rights lawsuit and would stand as one of the largest police-misconduct settlements in San Jose history.
Green, now a junior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was 20 years old when he became involved in a late-night incident at La Victoria Taqueria in downtown San Jose. Court records and surveillance footage show that a fight inside the restaurant escalated when another individual produced a “ghost gun.”
According to the lawsuit, Green wrested the firearm away and was moving toward the exit with the weapon in his hand when a police officer opened fire outside the restaurant. Green was struck multiple times in the arm, abdomen, and leg.
Authorities later acknowledged that the taqueria incident was unrelated to a homicide investigation that had officers on heightened alert that night, undermining early claims that Green matched the description of a murder suspect.
The case drew additional scrutiny when internal records revealed the officer who shot Green had exchanged racist text messages, including messages targeting Green and his legal team. The officer later resigned from the San Jose Police Department.
In the years following the shooting, Green underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. He has reported ongoing pain, psychological trauma, and fears that his football career had been permanently derailed.
Despite those challenges, Green secured a football scholarship at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, continuing both his education and athletic career at the HBCU.
San Jose officials initially argued the officer was protected by qualified immunity and denied city liability. As the case neared trial and legal risk increased, the city reversed course and agreed to the proposed settlement.
The City Council is expected to vote on final approval in an upcoming public session, with funds paid through city insurance and liability reserves.
