Retired-ex New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung was charged on October 25 with assault and battery as well as vandalism against a woman who is a family or household member, according to the Associated Press.
The Patriot Ledger reported that Chung showed up to court on October 26 for his arraignment with his fiancée and parents. Prosecutors said that he met with an unidentified woman outside her Milton, Massachusetts home when a fight broke out between the two.
Prosecutors alleged that Chung pushed the woman to the floor, slapped her across the face, and broke her phone.
“Patrick’s behavior has been erratic for a very long time,” the woman said in court. “His behavior was volatile; it was hostile. It seemed premeditated.”
When asked by Quincy District Court Judge Neil Hourihan if she was in “imminent fear” of Chung the woman, replied with, “Always.”
Related Story: White Supremacists Chased Away From Philadelphia’s City Hall
Police officers said that the woman was in tears once they arrived at the home and reported that she had wet marks on her back, which matched the allegation she made about having been shoved to the ground.
Chung reportedly shook his head while the woman testified, but his fiancée spoke on his behalf.
The former athlete’s fiancée said that the woman attacked Chung first, and he acted in self-defense.
Sandy Pesiridis, Chung’s attorney, said, “Mr. Chung is an upstanding member of the community, wonderful father, and he looks forward to being able to set this straight in respect to what actually occurred. He is the victim in this matter.”
Pesiridis added that her client’s case is “much better suited for Probate and Family Court” and that he is looking forward to being proved innocent.
Chung was also given charges for vandalizing property and released on October 26 without bail.
Hourihan approved the restraining order request against Chung and an abuse prevention order, which means Chung must keep his distance from the woman and her residence for a year.
Chung’s next court date is scheduled for January 7.
