According to ESPN, on February 23, 2009, Harrison requested to be released from the Colts and the team agreed.ESPN.com: Colts Expected to Release HarrisonJust days earlier, news agencies reported that Harrison would be released by the Colts as the team could not afford to pay his $13.4 million salary for the 2009 season.SportingNews.com: Report: Colts Will Let Marvin Harrison Go Soon

Philadelphia radio reporter Anthony Gargano of WIP told ESPN his unidentified source claims Harrison got into an argument with a patron at Playmakers and escorted the man from the establishment. A short time later, gunfire erupted, and the man was hit in the hand. Police later established that the weapon used in the shooting was registered to Harrison. Authorities have confirmed that Harrison was interviewed in the case, but declined further comment.ESPN: Report: Harrison investigated in shooting outside bar

On January 6, 2009, the Philadelphia District Attorney announced that Harrison would not face any charges in relation to the April 2008 bar shooting/ On January 28, a man who said he was shot by Harrison was found guilty of filing a false police report.ESPN.com: Man guilty of false report in Harrison gun case (January 28, 2009)