NFL News: Saints' Will Smith Arrested On Charges Of Domestic Abuse And Battery
Will Smith was placed under arrest Saturday in Lafayette, Louisiana, after being accused of pulling his wife down the street by her hair.
No, it was not the actor.
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department said that Smith, who plays on defense for the New Orleans Saints, had gotten into an altercation with his wife while leaving a night club in Lafayette, which is roughly 50 miles away from Baton Rouge, at about 2:00 AM.
Police Corporal Paul Morton stated in a press statement that LPSD on-duty officers saw the incident take place, and moved in as Smith was assaulting his wife.
Media Relations director for the Saints, Greg Bensil, said in an email that "We are aware. We have spoken with Will. Our security staff is looking into the matter. No other comment. We will let the legal process take its course."
Mouton also said that the woman's injuries were minimal, and that Smith was charged with simple battery and domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse and simple battery carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 and six months jail time, although those charged can suspend the sentence if they perform community service and attend a domestic abuse prevention program.
He was released after posting a $1,000 bail on Saturday, said LPSD.
Smith married Racquel R. Smith in 2008 and the couple has three children.
Since his induction into the professional league in the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith has been a building block in the Saints’ defense. He has the fourth highest career sack record of the Saints with 53 and has 3.5 this year.
In 2008, he signed with Saints for a six year contract extension, worth about $65 million, the most in the history of the Saints.
Smith was also selected into the Pro Bowl in 2006.
An account on Twitter that has been verified as Racquel Smith’s stated “I feel bad for my husband who is innocent in all of this and all my family… I love you @iwillsmith!”
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