‘Clip up’: UM teammates claim Bryan Pata was previously threatened by accused killer

The trial of the man accused of killing former University of Miami football standout Bryan Pata continued Thursday, with jurors hearing emotional testimony from former teammates who described the shock and confusion the night he was shot to death.

Pata, a defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes, was gunned down in November 2006 outside his apartment in southwest Miami-Dade. Prosecutors allege he was killed by his teammate, Rashaun Jones, in a long-running dispute fueled by jealousy.

On day two of testimony, former Hurricanes players recounted how they were ordered to gather at the Hecht Athletic Center after learning of the shooting.

“We just had a tragedy and we need to regroup,” former player Eric Moncur testified, describing the urgent calls for teammates to meet that night.

Bruce Johnson, another former player, told jurors he personally called Jones to inform him of the shooting and to tell him to report to the athletic facility.

“When you spoke to Rashaun, what did you tell him?” a prosecutor asked.

“Pata has been shot. They want everybody to come up to the Hecht Center,” Johnson responded.

Johnson testified that Jones replied, “OK, alright,” and never indicated he would not attend. However, prosecutors say Jones never showed up to the emergency meeting.

Instead, the state alleges Jones contacted a friend and asked for money. Former UM student Michael Sanders testified that Jones called him but did not explain why he needed the money. Sanders said he declined to provide it.

Prosecutors said Pata and Jones had previously argued including in 2004, when Pata reportedly punched and beat Jones during an altercation inside a dorm room.

Getty Images

Getty Images

According to testimony from Pata’s best friend, Dave Howell, Jones later threatened Pata to “clip up,” which Howell said he understood to mean “get your guns.”

The state contends Jones was known among teammates to carry a firearm.

Jones was arrested 15 years after the killing. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

Defense attorneys argue that investigators felt pressure to make an arrest after the case had gone cold and suggest prosecutors have targeted Jones without sufficient evidence.

The trial is expected to continue next week after a brief recess Friday.