NFL star Braylon Edwards has caught a misdemeanor assault charge for allegedly punching a man outside a Cleveland nightclub, an incident that led the Browns to trade the wide receiver to the New York Jets.
Edwards faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted, The Associated Press reported. His lawyer said Edwards would plead not guilty at a hearing on Nov. 17 in Cleveland.
In a statement of lukewarm support, the Jets said they knew about the allegations against Edwards before acquiring the 2007 Pro Bowler. The Jets gave up wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two draft choices in the trade.
“[Edwards] has been cooperative with authorities and we will allow the legal process to run its course," the Jets’ statement read, according to the New York Daily News.
The 215-pound footballer is accused of throwing punches at 135-pound entertainment promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA All-Star LeBron James, outside a Cleveland night club on Oct. 5.
James later called Edwards "childish" and accused him of acting out of jealousy for James and his entourage.
Two days after the alleged nightclub incident, Browns coach Eric Mangini traded Edwards to the Jets.
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The move was reportedly viewed a capstone to Edwards' history of boneheaded moves on and off the field that included arguments with teammates, criticism of coaches and dropped passes. In 2006, he flew by chopper to a Ohio State-Michigan game even after being warned not to go.
Last March, Edwards partied with now-suspended teammate Donte Stallworth in Miami the night he later drove drunk and killed a pedestrian.
Since joining the Jets this season, Edwards has made nine catches for 118 yards in three games.
