New Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who has a history of off-the-field legal troubles, allegedly was involved in a melee at a New York club early Sunday, two days before his blockbuster trade from the Miami Dolphins.
The New York Post reported Wednesday that a woman claims Marshall struck her in the face outside the club.
The newspaper, which cites law enforcement sources, says Marshall, his wife and some friends were at Marquee when a fight ensued. Marshall allegedly hit the woman in the left eye. The report said Marshall allegedly might have been trying to hit one of the woman's friends.
Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer tweeted the following statement Tuesday night from Marshall's attorney, Harvey Steinberg:
"... Brandon Marshall was the key note speaker at a charitable event in New York. After the event was over he, his wife and close friends attended a function at a local club. While at the function a fight broke out NOT involving Mr. Marshall or his friends. While attempting to leave to avoid the melee Mrs. Marshall was struck in the face by a thrown bottle. She suffered serious injury. While attempting to leave and take his wife to the hospital, the mayhem continued outside. Finally Mr. Marshall was able to take his wife to the hospital where she was treated for serious injuries. Mr. Marshall is hoping to assist authorities in regards to this matter."
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The New York Police Department released no information on the alleged incident.
When asked by NFL.com if the league was aware of the allegations against Marshall, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, "We would review any incident this nature."
The Bears released a statement Wednesday morning stating that they were aware of the incident prior to making the trade.
Marshall's legal troubles date to his first NFL stop in Denver. Marshall was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in March 2007 (charges were dropped after he completed anger management counseling) and again in March 2008.
Marshall was suspended for one game in August 2008 for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.
A trade to the Dolphins did little to stem the receiver's contentious personal life. His wife, Michi Nogami-Marshall, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon last year after she allegedly stabbed her husband in the stomach with a kitchen knife in April. The charge was later dropped.
Marshall admitted last summer to having borderline personality disorder.
