WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor sexual abuse for allegedly fondling the breast of his server in a hotel restaurant in Washington.
A grand jury returned an indictment formally charging Haynesworth over the alleged incident at a downtown Washington hotel in the early hours of Feb. 13. If convicted, the 29-year-old two-time All-Pro faces up to six months days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
According to the U.S. attorney’s office, the government’s evidence shows Haynesworth slid a credit card down the front of the server’s dress and fondled her breast.
Haynesworth’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, called the charge disappointing and regretful and said it would be a difficult case for the government to prove. Haynesworth is innocent and several witnesses would vouch that the alleged conduct never happened, Bolden said.
“We maintain his innocence, and now the fight begins,” Bolden said.
Telephone and e-mail messages left for Haynesworth’s agent, Chad Speck, were not immediately returned. Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie said the team referred all calls to Haynesworth and his agent.
Haynesworth is also currently facing charges in Virginia for allegedly punching a man during a road-rage assault. His trial is scheduled for May. At one point last summer, he was also involved in lawsuits from a bank, an exotic dancer, a man injured in an automobile accident and complaints from his ex-wife that he wasn’t paying for her health insurance or their children’s bills.
Haynesworth has also dealt with his share of on-the-field problems over the past year. He had a tumultuous 2010 season with the Redskins that ended when he was suspended without pay for the final four games of the season for “conduct detrimental to the club.”
Haynesworth had constantly feuded with coach Mike Shanahan, skipped offseason workouts and failed to pass a conditioning test at the start of training camp. He did not start a game last season, despite being in the second year of a seven-year, $100 million contract, and is expected to be traded or released by the Redskins this offseason.
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Associated Press sports reporter Joseph White contributed to this report.
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Associated Press sports reporter Joseph White contributed to this report.
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