PUFFY’S DEFENSE ARGUES CASE DRIVEN BY GREED

Prosecutors, however, maintain that Combs was indeed an agitator, and sparked a dispute that resulted in his associate, Jamal "Shyne" Barrow, opening fire at the Club New York in December 1999, where three patrons were shot and injured.

The on-going trial, in which Puffy has been accused with bribery and gun possession charges, will unfortunately end in the next few days. Combs is facing a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Combs' attorney Benjamin Brafman told the jury in his three-hour closing arguments Monday (3/12)—apparently directed by Michael Mann—that there was no solid evidence against his client and that two witnesses who said they had seen Combs with a gun had given dramatically conflicting testimony. "Just as they had been instructed to do," Brafman slipped. "Er, that is… um… hey! Look at this puppet!"

Further, Brafman said the prosecution's case was based on the testimony of several people seeking to profit from the incident, especially two people who had been shot and wounded and have filed large suits against Combs. "Having suffered an injury, they sought to capitalize on it," he said. "They want you to conclude on the basis of two pimps from the street, a deadbeat dad and two people in the club that gave conflicting stories, and lawsuits testimony that has no logic, no merit and does not make sense."

Puffy's lawyers would not comment on reports that Combs considers himself a real pimp, has previously been charged with failing to pay child support despite all his money and has often given conflicting stories regarding his career and the paths he has taken.