Zapped!: NFL Player Arrested, Tasered at Cleveland's House of Blues

Zapped!: NFL Player Arrested, Tasered at Cleveland's House of Blues

Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Police have not filed charges against Buffalo Bills player Donte Whitner after a melee broke out at the House of Blues early Saturday morning.

NFL's Buffalo Bills player Donte Whitner was arrested by an off-duty Cleveland Police Officer at the Cleveland House of Blues for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest early Saturday morning.

Donte Whitner was out celebrating the birthday of former Glenville H.S. and Ohio State University football star Ted Ginn Jr. when the arrest took place.

Lt. Thomas Stacho tells 19 Action News that Cleveland police officers arrived at the House of Blues trying to break up a near riot in front of The House of Blues when Whitner tried to enter the area where the fights were happening. 

Officers denied Whitner access to the area and then Whitner apparently tried to force his way past the officers in an aggressive manner. Police reports say that Whitner began swinging his arms in a violent manner and, when restrained by officers, he broke free and took a fighting stance.  An officer then deployed his taser on Whitner stunning him enough that police could cuff and stuff him. 

Whitner was held at the Cleveland City Jail and was released around 2:30p.m. Saturday afternoon.

While walking out of jail, Whitner told 19 Action News reporter Myrt Price that "nothing really happened" and "I'm innocent." When asked if the tasering was necessary, Whitner said "absolutely not."

Whitner also said "I'm filing a lawsuit today against the police department" when he enter the elevator to leave Cleveland City Jail.

After Whitner talked with 19 Action News, Donte's attorney, Neil Cornrich, called with this new statement:

"I regret the incident that occurred last evening. It is not how I wish to conduct myself and I apologize to all those involved."

No formal charges have been filed at this time. 

Aggravated Disorderly Conduct carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Resisting Arrest carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $750 fine. 

The Buffalo Bills released the following statement Saturday afternoon:

"We are aware of the report. At the present time we are attempting to gather all of the facts and will defer comment until that process is completed."

                                -Scott Berchtold, Bills VP/Communications

Whitner was a first round draft pick and has been with Buffalo for three years and previously played ball for Ohio State and Glenville High School.

Donte Whitner has also given back to his hometown throughout the years. Donte's Team 20 Foundation raises money for cancer research.

Last June, Whitner held his second annual Charity Bowling Tournament with some of his NFL friends.