[Fairiedust]

Phillies Outfielder Arrested

Jul 4, 2005 6:12 pm US/Eastern

Philadelphia outfielder Jason Michaels was arrested after allegedly punching a police officer outside a nightclub, authorities said.

Michaels, 29, spent nine hours in custody before he was released on his own recognizance at about noon Sunday, Philadelphia police Cpl. Jim Pauley said.

“I really would love to talk to you guys about this, but I’ve been advised by my attorney not to say anything,” Michaels said before the Phillies played the Braves on Sunday night.

Michaels was in uniform and ready to play Sunday night, but did not. He had not been in the starting lineup.
“Jason Michaels is not a bad guy,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “He’s a pretty good guy. Sometimes you do some things and you get in trouble. That doesn’t make it right or nothing, but he’s a good guy.”

Michaels was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Officer Timothy Taylor sustained minor injuries in the incident, Pauley said.

“He punched a Philadelphia police officer and wrestled him to the ground, in the process ripping the police officer’s shirt,” Pauley said. “It took four officers to control him.”

Police were dispersing a crowd in the Old City entertainment district just before 3 a.m., Pauley said. Everyone moved on willingly except Michaels, he said.

“I don’t want my players to get in trouble,” Manuel said. “I was very concerned about it, of course.”
Michaels, a native of Tampa, Fla., is listed at 6 feet and 205 pounds. He has a .297 average with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 158 at bats this season.

Michaels’ attorney, Theodore Simon of Philadelphia, said his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Michaels is due to appear in court on Thursday.

[WoolyGoat]

Sounds like a stand up fella.