New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household or family member.
The charge stems from an alleged incident on Aug. 8 and was formally filed on Dec. 16 in Attleboro District Court in Massachusetts. Barmore is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 3.
In a statement released Wednesday, the New England Patriots confirmed they were aware of the situation at the time.
“We were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner,” the team said. “The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process.”
According to charging documents, the woman involved alleged the two argued over household issues before the situation escalated. She told police that Barmore grabbed her phone as she attempted to leave and later threw her to the floor while restraining her by the shirt near her neck.
Barmore’s attorney, David Meier, denied wrongdoing on his client’s behalf. “We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,” Meier said. “We expect this personal matter will be resolved in the near future.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Barmore did not attend practice Wednesday due to illness. The NFL is reviewing the case under its Personal Conduct Policy, and Barmore remains eligible to play.