Cleveland Browns LB Quentin Groves Arrested for Solicitation

Quentin Groves' tenure with the Cleveland Browns isn't starting off the way he had hoped, as the newly-signed linebacker was reportedly arrested for solicitation.

UPDATE: Wednesday, April 24, at 5:45 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot supplied a statement from Groves:

"

I want to apologize to the Browns organization, our fans and the city of Cleveland for putting myself in this situation. I realize I let a lot of people down, most importantly my family. I am committed to learning from this and moving forward.

"

---End of update---

According to Michael Sangiacomo of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Groves was arrested for soliciting an undercover police officer for prostitution. The Orange police reportedly placed a prostitution ad in a local publication as part of a sting and Groves allegedly responded to it.

"

[Groves] made arrangements for certain acts ... and requested 'full service' and stated he would bring condoms, according to the police report.

"

The Browns are aware of Groves' situation, but they have yet to make a comment regarding his status, according to Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Busted Coverage's Robert Xavier posted Groves' mugshot:

Groves signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract with the Browns this offseason after spending last season with the Arizona Cardinals.

He was drafted No. 52 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008, but he struggled in two seasons as a Jag. Groves was later acquired by the Oakland Raiders, but things didn't get much better for him out west.

Groves finally began to reach his potential in Arizona last season as he posted a career-high four sacks and started seven games on the Cardinals' stout defense. The Browns signed Groves and clearly hoped that his upward trend would continue in Cleveland.

It still may, but this is obviously an unfortunate bump in the road for him. It remains to be seen what type of discipline he faces from the league, from the Browns' organization and from the legal system for that matter. 

Whatever the case, Groves should be a big part of the Browns' emerging defense this season provided he can put everything behind him.

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