Opening Statements in Jess Ventura Defamation Trial

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorneys for former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and the estate of late "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle are disputing whether Kyle actually punched out Ventura in a barroom scrap.

The episode formed a passage in Kyle's autobiography, prompting Ventura to sue for defamation.

In opening statements Tuesday in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota, each side told jurors that the other side is lying. Ventura attorney David Olsen says Ventura will produce several witnesses to back his account.

Kyle estate attorney John Borger says he'll have witnesses who back Kyle's story.

Kyle was killed last year at a Texas gun range, but Ventura has pursued his claim against the sniper's estate, saying it's important to clear his name.