Thunder Collins: "I'm Not No Snitch!"

Never let it be said Thunder Collins was a Grammar Major in college at the University of Nebraska...

((HT: Omaha World-Herald/Ferak))

When former Husker running back Thunder Collins ((pictured, thanks Omaha World-Herald/Schukar)) had a chance to testify before the jury weighing his fate, he heeded his lawyer's advice and declined.

When that jury returned guilty verdicts Monday on charges of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two weapons charges, Collins sat expressionless.

A jury of 12 strangers had relegated Collins, 29, to prison for the rest of his life, dashing much more than his hopes of playing professional football.

When Douglas County District Judge Gary Randall announced a Nov. 12 sentencing date, Collins snapped.

“Set it now. Set it now! I'm not coming back,” Collins yelled, standing up from his chair at the defense table.

“Set it now.”

Collins lashed out at the judge and scolded jurors for convicting him, saying he was no killer. He then hurled obscenities at the Omaha police homicide detectives who had packed the second row of courtroom benches.

As court security escorted him through the courthouse and back to jail, Collins repeatedly yelled to reporters.

“No justice. No justice. I'm the victim. I'm the victim here. They know I killed no one. Of course, they got the wrong guy. I'm not no snitch. I've got dignity. I will get another trial.”

Here's coverage from Liz Dorland and Action 3 News/WOWT-TV


And here's the full post-trial press conference with Collins from the Douglas County Detention Center, thanks to our friends at the Omaha World-Herald