McGinest, an analyst for the NFL Network, was booked on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the Dec. 9 incident.
By Julianne McShane and Diana Dasrath
Willie McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL Network analyst, was arrested Monday in connection with an assault at a West Hollywood nightclub, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
McGinest, 51, was taken into custody on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon shortly after he arrived at the department’s West Hollywood station to provide a statement about the Dec. 9 incident, according to a sheriff’s statement.
Authorities said witnesses identified McGinest, a former linebacker for the New England Patriots, as having been involved in the assault at the Santa Monica Boulevard club.
Details about the incident were not immediately available. TMZ obtained video that appears to show McGinest punching a man in the face and hitting him with a bottle.
McGinest’s agent could not be reached for comment on Monday.
According to court records, McGinest was booked into jail 30 minutes after his arrest at 7 a.m. local time. He was released a little more than two hours later on $30,000 bond.
According to jail records, he is due in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday morning.
The investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s department’s West Hollywood Detective Bureau, according to the department.
McGinest, the fourth pick in the 1994 NFL draught, earned two Pro Bowl selections. Since he retired after the 2008 season, he has worked as an analyst for ESPN, Fox Sports and the NFL Network.
“We are aware of the incident and the disturbing video,” said network spokesperson Alex Riethmille. “Willie McGinest will not appear on NFL Network while we review the matter.”
