JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A former NFL player and Florida State wide receiver is suing the city of Jacksonville over a law that restricts sexually themed bars.
The Florida Times-Union reports that Laveranues Coles filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Jacksonville.
Coles is asking a judge to overturn the city's rules governing bikini bars and other similar businesses.
The city's planning commission denied Coles a zoning exception for a restaurant and "dancing establishment." Coles argues the sexual dancing at the restaurant would be for a consensual audience over the age of 18.
Coles' suit argues Jacksonville's rules infringe on his business's Constitutional right to free expression and asks for $75,000 in damages.
Jacksonville spokeswoman Marsha Oliver says they do not comment on pending lawsuits.
Coles played in the NFL from 2000-2010 for the Jets, Redskins and Bengals.
