SAN DIEGO -- When District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis cleared police officer Aaron Mansker in the shooting of former San Diego Chargers player Steve Foley, Foley's history of arrests for battery, domestic violence, public intoxication and discharging a firearm were a factor.

In Foley's civil trial, however, it is Mansker's history that will be placed under a microscope.

Court papers filed by Foley's attorneys painted an unflattering view of Mansker, the Coronado police officer who, while off duty, shot the ex-Charger three times outside of his Poway home.

In the October 2006 preliminary hearing for Foley's companion, Lisa Maree Gaut, Mansker was asked, "Other than your verbal command, how does he know you're a police officer?" Mansker replied, "Verbal, I guess …"

Mansker was then asked, "Wouldn't it be better to show your badge?"

"Would've been better, yes," responded Mansker.

In a photo taken by sheriff's deputies of Mansker after the shooting, his badge was visible.

However, in a deposition, Mansker admitted the badge was covered his T-shirt at the time of the shooting and was not visible.

In their court filing, Foley's attorneys said Coronado hired Mansker after 10 other law enforcement agencies had previously rejected his applications for employment. Two agencies cited Mansker's immaturity and lack of life experience.

During his first week on the job, documents showed while off duty and driving home in his own car, Mansker's speeds were calculated to be in excess of 90 mph. Mansker wrote, "My conduct was viewed by another and seen as reckless."

Going deeper into Mansker's professional history, the court documents revealed that he previously worked as a service officer at Palomar College and was reprimanded for "his negative attitude …impulsiveness to make decisions based on emotion instead of careful thought and violations of several Palomar College Police Department policies."

"As he started reaching into his waistband, with his right hand turning towards me, I fired two shots," Mansker said in the October 2006 hearing.

Before the Foley incident, Mansker kept a MySpace page and called himself "Superman." Foley's attorneys argued that Mansker has "a bizarre fascination and over identification with the superhero, Superman," inferring that Mansker was overzealous when he pursued the legally drunk Foley in his personal car.

"A lot more information tends to come out in civil cases regarding the conduct of both parties; a clearer picture tends to emerge," said Bill Flores of El Grupo.

Flores is a retired assistant sheriff with 29 years in law enforcement. He represents El Grupo, a minority rights group that urged the state attorney general to review the Foley shooting and five other officer-involved shootings in the North County. The group said the district attorney was too cozy with local law enforcement.

"We've noticed that the district attorney's office in several officer involved shootings has released negative information on the victim of the shooting, which we find troubling," said Flores.

Only when the victim sues is information about the officer released, like in the Foley case.

Foley's lawyers argued that his injuries were so severe they ended his football career.

As for monetary damages, Foley is seeking $600,000 in medical expenses, $3 million in past economic loss, $11 million to $38 million in special damages and future earnings and $5 million to $7 million for pain and suffering.

A representative for Dumanis said the district attorney stands by the decision to clear Mansker of criminal liability.

However, the upcoming trial is about civil liability, and a jury will decide that outcome.

I-Team calls to Mansker's attorneys and the Coronado Police Department were not returned.

Foley's attorneys said it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

Foley pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI related to the shooting.

However, he has more criminal trouble as he was recently indicted in Texas after two of his pit bulls attacked a woman and her puppy.