Darrius Johnson \nGLENDALE, CO - Making an apparent bid for a spot in the Stupid Bowl, Denver Broncos free safety Darrius Johnson faces misdemeanor assault charges for allegedly slapping a stripper at a topless nightclub - though Johnson insists the stripper started the incident.
The 27-year-old footballer was released on his own recognizance after being charged in the incident at Shotgun Willie's, described as an upscale "gentleman's club". Glendale Police Lt. John Gallagher tells APBNews.com Johnson called the dancer, identified only as Chloe, "a whore", and slapped her on the side of her face, after arguing at the club Sunday night.
Gallagher says Johnson and Chloe were acquaintances, but after the incident club bouncers restrained the Broncos player until police arrived. He says Johnson told police Chloe spit on him and he pushed her in retaliation. But he also says Johnson was uncooperative and claimed he was being arrested because he is black.
Chloe, though, tells police she met Johnson at a party several months ago and her refusal to have sex with him embarrassed him in front of teammates, APBNews says. Johnson is married.
Denver Broncos spokesman Jim Saccomano says in a news release issued Monday the team is gathering information about the incident and Johnson could face repercussions. "(We) take code-of-conduct issues involving all employees very seriously," the statement says. "Beyond all appropriate civil handling, we will address this matter internally."
This isn't the first time Johnson has had trouble with the law since joining the Broncos - he was arrested in July 1998 on suspicion of drunken driving.
He faces arraignment on the assault charges Feb. 14.
