Death of former player leaves UNLV somber

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

With fall football drills starting today, this is supposed to be a happy and optimistic time around UNLV's Lied Athletic Complex.

But the atmosphere was somewhat sullen on Monday afternoon after it was learned popular former Rebel cornerback Amar Brisco had been killed early Sunday morning by a security guard following a dispute over a valet parking spot outside the Glo@The Hop nightclub a few blocks from campus.

A security officer told police he opened fire on Brisco's car after Brisco allegedly tried to run him over following a verbal altercation. It's an image that contradicts the quiet nature Brisco displayed during his UNLV playing career, which ended with a 2000 Las Vegas Bowl victory over Arkansas.

"He was a good man and a smart guy and I thought he had a great life ahead of him," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "He was a very popular and well-liked guy."

"A sad, sad day," defensive coordinator Mike Bradeson said. "I thought he was a wonderful kid. He was level-headed. He took care of school. He put in his time and ended up being a really good football player for us."

It was Brisco, nephew of 1984 Olympic gold medal sprinter Valerie Brisco-Hooks, who made arguably the biggest play of the John Robinson Era of Rebel football.

In a must-win game at San Diego State on Nov. 25, 2000, and the Aztecs driving for a potential game-winning field goal attempt, it was Brisco who cut in front of a Lon Sheriff pass and returned it 72 yards for the game-winning touchdown with 52 seconds to go.

UNLV escaped with a 31-24 victory to keep its bowl game hopes alive and then went on to earn a Las Vegas Bowl bid the following week with a 34-32 win at Hawaii.

"That was one of the biggest plays, no question," Robinson said. "We'll always remember that one."

"He's the reason we went to a bowl game," tight end DeJhawn Mandley said. "He made that big pick against San Diego State that took us to a bowl game. It's a shock that he's gone."

Mandley was in the nightclub at the time of the shooting with some friends and teammates but said he wasn't aware of Brisco's death until the next morning.

"He was not the clubbing type," Mandley said. "He wouldn't have even have gone there except it was Dre's (ex-Rebel defensive back Andre Hilliard) last night in town. Dre was moving back to California the next day, and we had a party for him at our house and then went to the club after that. I spoke to Amar just prior to leaving the house on the way to Glo that night.

"It's just unbelievable. I can't believe that he's not here anymore. It's such a shocking thing. I don't know what to say."

Mandley said he heard shots being fired while inside the club.

"But we didn't know until the next morning that it was him," he said. "Andre was with him in the car at the time it happened. Luckily, he didn't get hit, too."

Attempts to reach Hilliard were unsuccessful Monday.

Detectives would like to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the event, which took place at about 3 a.m. Sunday. Those with information are urged to call Secret Witness at 385-5555 or the Las Vegas Metro homicide division at 229-3521. 00