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Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason was arrested Monday, accused of punching a patron in the face at the Uptown Cabaret two weeks ago after the team's victory over Atlanta.
Beason, 24, adamantly denies the misdemeanor assault charge, his attorney, George Laughrun, said Monday.
"He looks forward to his day in court and to getting his good name cleared," Laughrun said.
Beason was released Monday with his promise to appear in court. Records show a hearing is set for today.
The arrest occurred after Gregory C. Frye, 29, persuaded a Mecklenburg County magistrate to issue a warrant for Beason's arrest. It's unclear from the signature which magistrate approved the warrant.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say Frye reported the incident Nov. 16 but there wasn't enough probable cause to arrest the football player, according to Capt. Jeff Estes, commander of the Central Division, where the Morehead Street strip club is located.
"We interviewed all the witnesses and looked at the club's videotape," Estes said. "We protect everyone's rights equally. We just want to make sure we serve justice."
According to the arrest warrant, Beason was charged with assault with the intent to inflict serious injury. The warrant alleges Beason assaulted Frye "by punching (him) in the face with his fist, inflicting serious injuries." The warrant says Frye sustained a crushed nasal cavity and swelling to his nose and eye area.
In a separate incident, court records show, Beason was cited Nov. 12 for reckless driving and unsafe passing and has a pending hearing.
Frye has a history of criminal charges and civil complaints, according to court records.
He sued a woman in 2005 for assault and battery and for medical costs, records show, but the case was dismissed.
He was sued in 2006 by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority for $2,320, records show. He also was sued in April for $4,065 by Atlantic Credit and Finance, a collection agency.
He was charged in 2008 with assaulting a female and writing a worthless check, both of which were dismissed, records show. He also has numerous driving charges, and a larceny arrest that was dismissed.
Frye, whose address is listed in Huntersville, could not be reached late Monday.
Panthers' general manager Marty Hurney released a statement, saying: "We were aware of the police department looking into the incident and have addressed it with Jon. At this time there appear to be two different versions of what happened."
Beason, in his third pro season, is one of the Panthers' team captains and is their leading tackler. He was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl after last season and is regarded as one of the National Football League's premier middle linebackers. Observer researcher Maria David contributed.
