A member of the Miami Dolphins has been suspended by the team indefinitely for “conduct detrimental to the team” after a reported incident at a Fort Lauderdale nightclub.
Derrick Shelby, a defensive end, was arrested after allegedly “touching women without their permission,” according to an off-duty officer present at the club.
The unwanted advances resulted in Shelby being asked to leave the premises.
Shelby, 25, refused, and the off-duty officer called for backup. Shelby blocked the exit to the club and, according to the report, said, “What are you going to do?”
The 282-pound football player resisted being cuffed and arrested, dropping into a fighting stance, which resulted in him being Tased three times and taken to jail. He was released on $100 bond at 10:30 AM on October 4.
In a statement on the matter, head coach Joe Philbin said, “We were disappointed to learn about Derrick’s arrest. Everyone in this organization is held to high standards of conduct and professionalism.
Based on my conversations with Derrick and the information we have thus far, Derrick will be placed on Indefinite Club Suspension.”
Shelby’s agent and attorney, however, both maintained that the lineman is innocent. Daniel Rosenburg, Shelby’s attorney, said, “There’s a lot of conflicting information about his arrest. He’s going to plea[d] not guilty.” David Canter, Shelby’s agent, said, “Derrick has entered a plea of not guilty and we look forward to Derrick resuming his football career.”
Shelby is charged with criminal trespassing and resisting an officer. Shelby, who had appeared in the first four games of the season, will be inactive when the team takes on Green Bay on October 12.