Cincinnati's Jarred Evans claims racist taunts prompted punch that led to his arrest

Cincinnati quarterback Jarred Evans gave an explanation as to why he felt justified in the knockout punch that led to his arrest and suspension from the team in October.

Evans testified in court that he and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Jenna Dunlap, were approached by a group of about three or four men who hit them with "n----- lover" taunts, according to Kevin Grasha of Cincinnati.com.

Evans spoke during his trail Friday on misdemeanor assault charges for the October 2014 situation where he allegedly hit one of the men berating him and his girlfriend.

Evans admitted that he and his girlfriend, who is white, felt threatened by the men after initially trying to avoid them. He admitted to having an exchange with the group, following that he claimed one of the men blocked the couple's path to continue walking. 

"I told them, 'I will (expletive) all of you up if you come after me," Evans said. "He flinched at me with his hands up, and I just reacted with a punch, a jab."

The result of the jab put the victim, Ryan Smith a 20-year-old sophomore, face-down, out-cold on the sidewalk.

Dunlap's testimony corroborated that of Evans, but she claimed to have covered her face and didn't see the actual punch.

Smith's testimony was full of denial. He claimed he didn't make any comment to Evans, didn't step in his path and was not hanging out with the group. He said he didn't even know who hit him.

The alleged punch from Evans to Smith resulted in a concussion and stitches to his forehead.

The trial's closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected on Monday.