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Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Demar Dotson has found himself in legal trouble, facing a first-degree misdemeanor battery charge following his arrest in Tampa last week.
According to reports, Dotson, who was listed at 6’9, 315 pounds in his playing days, was taken into custody by officers from the Hillsborough Sheriff’s office on Friday night at his residence.
He was later released on Monday morning after posting a $250 bond, according to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman.
The arrest stemmed from an altercation in which Dotson allegedly slapped a woman during a heated argument. As tensions escalated, the woman retaliated by slapping him back, Dotson responded by striking her once more with a closed fist, causing her to fall to the ground.
The arrest report further reveals that the victim suffered a one-inch laceration on her face and sustained a black eye as a result of the incident.
During Dotson’s court appearance on Monday, a judge ordered him to surrender all firearms to the authorities while the case is under investigation. The decision to impound his firearms serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Now 37 years old, Dotson enjoyed an illustrious career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2019. He contributed to the team’s offensive line with an 106 career starts.
In 2020, Dotson played his final season with the Denver Broncos before announcing his retirement from professional football.
As the legal process unfolds, Dotson’s future remains uncertain, and the incident casts a shadow over his once-prominent football career.
The battery charge against him underscores the importance of addressing issues surrounding violence and promoting a safe and respectful society for all.