Ausar Walcott, a rookie linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, was taken into custody Tuesday and is facing charges of attempted murder, according to ESPN.com. Walcott is accused of punching a man outside a Northern New Jersey gentlemen’s club.
Due to his arrest, the Browns said they have released Walcott. The team signed the undrafted rookie, a product of the University of Virginia Caveliers, last month.
According to the Bergen Record, police say Walcott punched New York City resident Derrick Jones in the head Sunday outside of the Palace Gentleman’s club.
The official charges brought against Walcott are first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering an injured victim, according to Detective Andrew White of the Passaic police in New Jersey. Walcott turned himself over to police Tuesday morning and his bail was set at $500,000.
According to White, Jones’ aunt reported the crime on Sunday and Walcott was found to be a suspect. Sgt. Roy Bordamonte and detectives Paul Slater, James Lane and Alexis Flores have conducted the investigation.
A database from U-T San Diego said 28 players—including Walcott—have been arrested since Feb 3, the date of the last Super Bowl.
Walcott was also arrested in January 2011 as a Cavalier after getting into a fight. He was facing charges of assault and battery, but the charges were eventually dropped and he was allowed to rejoin the team.
Another player among those arrested since the Super Bowl is tight end Aaron Hernandez. He was taken into custody Wednesday for allegedly murdering 27-year old Odin Lloyd. The New England Patriots announced they have released Hernandez.
