D'Qwell Jackson Fined $1,000 in Simple Battery Hearing: Details, Reaction

Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson received a minimal sentence of a $1,000 fine Friday after being found guilty of simple battery in Washington, D.C., earlier in March.  

Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star reported the charge, which relates to an alleged altercation with a pizza delivery driver in 2015, carried a potential punishment of six months in jail. The report also noted the Colts star has maintained his innocence and previously stated he planned to appeal the verdict.

"I sincerely believe justice will eventually prevail," Jackson said in a statement earlier this month. "Nevertheless, I sincerely regret that this case ever happened and has gotten to this point. I will continue to live my life in a way that confirms I am a good and honorable citizen."

Keith L. Alexander of the Washington Post reported the driver told police Jackson, who said he was acting in self defense, punched him after a disagreement over a parking space near the linebacker's Washington condominium. The driver has since filed a $1.5 million civil lawsuit, which remains pending: "Authorities said that police arrived in the 1900 block of 11th Street NW about 8 p.m. The driver told police that Jackson had punched him on the side of his face and the back of his head after he told Jackson that he would be in the parking space only 'momentarily.'"

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk noted Jackson could still receive NFL punishment under the personal conduct policy as a result of the case.

The 32-year-old defender, who spent the first eight years of his career with the Cleveland Browns, was a key cog on the defensive side of the ball for Indianapolis last season. He racked up 150 combined tackles, three sacks and an interception return for a touchdown while appearing in all 16 games.

He's under contract with the Colts for two more seasons with a $5.75 million cap hit after signing a four-year contract in 2014, according to Spotrac.

If he's forced to miss any regular-season action as a result of the situation, Sio Moore and Amarlo Herrera are the most likely candidates to fill the void at inside linebacker alongside Nate Irving.