AUSTIN, Texas — NFL running back Cedric Benson was released from jail Sunday following his arrest on an assault charge, the second year in a row the former Texas Longhorns star has gotten into trouble in his home state.
Benson is a free agent after leading the Cincinnati Bengals in rushing each of the last three seasons. He hoped to stay with the Bengals and has worked out with players in Cincinnati during the NFL lockout.
A Travis County sheriff’s spokesman said Benson was arrested in downtown Austin on a misdemeanor count of assault with bodily injury with family violence. Benson’s attorney, Sam Bassett, said in a statement the arrest followed “a conflict” between Benson and a former roommate.
Benson posted a $10,000 bond and was released.
Bassett considers the “family violence” aspect of the charge erroneous “since the alleged male victim no longer is Mr. Benson’s household member and was not a household member for the past few days.”
Conviction of assault with family violence would draw a stiffer penalty than simple assault. Last summer, Benson was arrested over an alleged bar fight in Austin.
The Associated Press
