Daryl Washington Arrested For Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend [Report]

ESPN news is reporting that Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington has been arrested in Phoenix after a dispute with his former girlfriend.

According to the report, Washington, a third-year player out of Texas Christian University, was taken into custody Friday morning on two felony charges of aggravated assault.

Washington’s ex-girlfriend, Ciera MacDonald, claims the athlete grabbed her by the throat and shoved her to the ground following an argument over child visitation at her apartment Wednesday. MacDonald reportedly suffered a broken collarbone in the assault, as well as bruising and cuts on her arm, hip and leg.

Washington’s bond was set at $4,200. He is expected back in court on May 9.

“This is a legal matter and I am limited in what I can say other than that my lawyer and I will continue to cooperate with investigators and welcome the opportunity for all the facts to be presented,” Washington said in a statement released Friday. “I regret that the situation has brought this kind of attention to my family and my team. I look forward to resolving it as soon as possible.”

Friday’s arrest wasn’t the only trouble Washington has ran into in the off season.

In early April, the 26-year-old was hit with a four-game suspension (to be carried out at the beginning of the 2013 season) for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

Following Washington’s arrest, the Cardinals released a statement on their website which said:

“These are serious accusations that we are closely monitoring. Until all the facts are determined, and out of respect for the process, we will decline any further comment at this point.”

A second round pick of the Cardinals in 2010, Washington had a breakout season in 2012, with 134 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

He signed a six-year, $32-million contract extension in September. The deal includes a $10 million option bonus payable in March 2014.