Nelson Lugela was found guilty of second-degree murder last year in the death of Mylan Hicks.

Nelson Lugela has appealed his conviction and sentence after the killing of Stampeders player Mylan Hicks, saying the sentence was "extremely brutal in light of circumstantial evidence."

Nelson Lugela, 21, received an automatic life sentence and it was left to the court to determine his parole ineligibility period.

A sentencing hearing began Thursday for a man convicted of second-degree murder in the death of a Calgary Stampeders football player.

A judge has found Nelson Lugela guilty of second-degree murder in the slaying of a Calgary Stampeders football player Mylan Hicks.

Marquee Beer Market did not respond to a request for comment.

Court has heard that there was an altercation over a spilled drink involving team kicker Rene Paredes and his wife. The argument continued outside after the bar closed.

The defence called a bartender to discuss what she heard and saw that night.

The prosecution has wrapped up its case against the man accused of fatally shooting a member of the Calgary Stampeders two years ago.

Nelson Lugela, who is 21, is on trial for second-degree murder.