Cleveland Browns linebacker Quentin Groves apologized on Wednesday for soliciting a prostitute.
In a statement released by Groves, he acknowledged letting his family and the Browns organization down. He apologized for putting himself in the situation and said he is "committed to learning from this and moving forward," according to the Associated Press (via ESPN).
Police took Groves into custody on April 17 at a Cleveland-area hotel after he unknowingly phoned an undercover officer to purchase "full service" sex. He received a citation for solicitation, and on April 22 he pleaded no contest in Bedford Municipal Court to disorderly conduct.
NBC Sports reports Groves arranged to pay $100 for an hour of sex and an additional $20 for a certain sex act. He was one of 14 men charged in what turned out to be an undercover police operation. A box of condoms and $195.70 were seized from him as evidence.
The event doesn't bode well for Groves' standing with the Browns, given that the linebacker has only been with the team for just over a month. Groves signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract with the Browns on March 13. He is expected to backup recently-acquired linebacker Paul Kruger, which could make him expendable after this incident.
The Browns organization has made no comment.
In five seasons, Groves has recorded 153 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was selected 52nd overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played for the Oakland Raiders from 2010-11 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 before joining the Browns as an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Groves is due in court on May 10.
